Dear neighbors,

This week, I had the privilege of introducing a Senate resolution recognizing the inspiring work of IGNITE Worldwide and Women in Cloud, two Washington-based organizations dedicated to making women more represented in STEM.

IGNITE and Women in Cloud are transforming the landscape of women in STEM. IGNITE lays the foundation that gets our young girls interested in STEM, while Women in Cloud provides essential career support for women already working in the tech industry.

This is meaningful and impactful work that moves us closer to gender equity in STEM. But in the face of a nationwide backlash against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives and programs, these organizations and others like them now face immense political and financial challenges doing this work.

A photograph of Sen. Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer Island) with leaders from IGNITE Worldwide.

Sen. Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer Island) on the floor of the Washington State Senate with leaders from IGNITE Worldwide.

In recent years, we’ve passed a number of bills to strengthen DEI as a core component of our public educational system, from K-12 to higher education:

  • Requiring all school directors and educational staff to have cultural competency and DEI training.
  • Ensuring instructional materials used in schools include the histories, contributions, and perspectives of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups.
  • Requiring school districts to have a gender-inclusive school policy that protects students from discrimination based on their gender identity or gender expression.
  • Establishing a professional development program on DEI and antiracism for faculty and staff at our colleges and universities.
  • Requiring public colleges and universities to conduct campus climate assessments and establish DEI programs for students.
  • Requiring community and technical colleges to develop strategic plans.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done, but there is more to do. As other states pullback from DEI, Washington must remain a place where we celebrate and seek to understand our differences, a place where we make sure everyone has what they need to succeed, and a place where we include everyone.

Mark your calendars: 41st Legislative District Town Hall

A graphic advertising the 41st legislative district town hall on Saturday, March 22, 2025, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the U Building at Bellevue College.

I’ll be joining my seatmates, Reps. My-Linh Thai and Janice Zahn, for an in-person town hall Saturday, March 22! We’ll be in the U Building at Bellevue College from 10 to 11:30 a.m. This is a great opportunity for constituents to meet their legislators, ask questions, and hear about the work we’re doing in Olympia. I hope to see you there!

Yours in service,

Signature of Sen. Lisa Wellman (D-Mercer island).