Gov. Jay Inslee today announced the appointments of nine women to serve on Washington’s new Women’s Commission. Michelle Gonzalez was named commission director last month.
The commission was created by HB 2759 to address issues relevant to the problems and needs of women, such as domestic violence, childcare and support, sexual discrimination and harassment in the workplace, equal compensation and job pathways in employment, and the specific needs of women of color.
“It is long overdue to have a commission dedicated to improving the lives of women in Washington. As we look ahead to the Centennial celebration of women gaining the right to vote in our state, the commission’s work is more important than ever,” Inslee said. “The commission will be a valuable resource and provide recommendations and advice to my office, the Legislature and state agencies on issues important to all women.”
The appointees were chosen by the governor with input from members of the state House and Senate and community stakeholders. Commissioners will serve three-year staggered terms.
The appointees:
- Jackie Boschok, Green River College Board of Trustees, King County
- Graciela Gomez Cowger, Schwabe, Williamson & Wyatt, Clark County
- Tara Fairfield, Aging and Long Term Support Administration, Pierce County
- Monica Holland, Unemployment Law Project, Spokane County
- Grace Huang, Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence, King County
- Rituja Indapure, Costco, King County
- Regina Malveaux, YWCA Spokane, Spokane County
- Michelle Merriweather, Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, Snohomish County
- Dawn Rains, Treehouse, King County
All appointments to the commission are effective immediately.