News from the School of IAS
Category: Alumni
Melinda Bocci builds inclusive communities through education and employment
Melinda Bocci (’06) had worked several years in the developmental disabilities sector when she decided to pursue a master’s in Policy Studies. Much of her work was driven by policy, and she wanted to impact change at a systemic level. While earning her degree, critical disability legislation was being implemented in Washington state. Melinda chose to ...
December 21, 2017
Heidi Larwick receives “20 under 40 Rising Business Stars” award
On December 5, alum Heidi Larwick ('05, Policy Studies) received a "20 under 40 Rising Business Stars" award, recognizing her as one of 20 emerging business leaders making a difference in the Eugene-Springfield, Oregon community. Larwick is the Director of Connected Lane County, a coalition aiming to increase the number of high school graduates who are successful in higher education and life by creating a streamlined transition between early childhood, K–12, and higher education. Larwick is also ...
December 13, 2017
Jeremy Richards infuses leadership development with cultural studies
Jeremy Richards ('10) chose the M.A. in Cultural Studies for its interdisciplinary, practice-based approach. An accomplished radio producer, writer, and actor rooted in the Seattle arts community, Richards desired a program that would stretch his creativity while broadening his professional options. As a graduate student, he focused on the writings and music of Friedrich Nietzsche, culminating in the creation and production of "Nietzsche! The Musical."
December 5, 2017
Jefferson Ketchel named Snohomish Health District Administrator
On November 7, the Board of Health confirmed Jefferson Ketchel (’08, Policy Studies) as Administrator of the Snohomish Health District. Board Chair Adrienne Fraley-Monillas stated, “It was clear through our search that Jeff is the best person for the job, and we couldn’t be more pleased. He has a passion not just for public health, but this agency and the people of Snohomish County. Jeff has the board’s full support and confidence as we continue moving the health district forward as the community’s chief health strategist.”
November 29, 2017
Ryan Dzakovic awarded fellowship with U.S. Department of State
Alum Ryan (Blanco) Dzakovic (’15, Cultural Studies) is headed to Washington, D.C. for a year-long fellowship with the U.S. Department of State’s Veterans Innovation Partnership (VIP) Fellowship Program. VIP Fellowships support veterans’ transition to diplomacy and development careers by providing opportunities to serve within U.S. foreign affairs agencies. “Having the background in graduate studies prepared me for an opportunity at a caliber I thought I would never achieve,” Dzakovic said. Read Ryan’s story.
November 27, 2017
Nikki Neuen connects her talents to gender diversity
Nikki Neuen (’04, American Studies) is Associate Director for Gender Diversity Education and Support Services, where she focuses on infrastructure management, communications, grant writing, and everything else. “Our staff is so small, that we all help with everything – conferences, marketing, volunteer management, fundraising – you name it,” Nikki explains. Gender Diversity increases the awareness and understanding of gender diversity in children, adolescents, and adults by providing family support groups, education and training to professionals serving trans youth, and through their annual international conference, Gender Odyssey.
November 21, 2017
Alumni Shout Out!
EJ Juarez (’14, Cultural Studies) is now Partnerships and Government Relations Manager for The Seattle Public Library. Previously, he served as Executive Director of Amplify, an organization dedicated to recruiting, training, and electing progressive champions in Washington and Oregon. Emily Anderson ('09, Society, Ethics & Human Behavior) has joined ICEBRG, a community and network security firm, as General Counsel. Prior to, she worked at Microsoft as Senior Program Manager in Legal Privacy Compliance. On November 8, Sean Alley ...
November 16, 2017
Erin Sanchez applies cultural studies to entrepreneurship
Erin Sanchez (’13, Cultural Studies) is passionate about work/life balance. After several years of freelancing as a writer and marketing consultant, she launched Candidly Erin to support women in their journeys to “…flee the 9-5 and build businesses they love.” Drawing from her experiences of procrastination and self-doubt, Erin provides women with business skills and actionable strategies for becoming successful entrepreneurs. Recently, she spoke at Seattle’s GeekGirlCon 2017 on ...
November 6, 2017
Kyra Laughlin receives full scholarship to attend The Women’s Convention in Detroit
This past weekend (October 27-29, 2017) Gender, Women & Sexuality Studies (GWSS) alum Kyra Laughlin attended the Women’s Convention in Detroit. The convention, aptly titled “Reclaiming Our Time,” was coordinated by the same women who organized the Women’s March in January 2017 which drew hundreds of thousands of people to rally in support of women's rights and to resist the multitude of injustices marginalized communities face. ...
October 31, 2017
Creative works of Susan Brown reach local and international audiences
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing & Poetics alum Susan Brown (’14) has been busy! Her artist book Mythical Magical Physickal Madness was included in the Heroic Works exhibition at University of Oxford’s Bodleian Libraries last summer. In October, a second copy was exhibited at Seattle's Antiquarian Book Fair, which showcases thousands of rare and antiquarian books and ephemera. Brown is also ...
October 23, 2017