First Lady Colleen Ferguson
Colleen Ferguson is the First Lady of Washington state. She and Governor Ferguson have been married for 20 years and are the proud parents of 17- year-old twins, Jack and Katie.
Colleen grew up in Oregon. She attended the University of Puget Sound where she earned a degree in International Relations and Foreign Languages. She had the opportunity to study for a semester at the Universidad de Alicante in Spain. After college she taught English in Japan, and later returned to the U.S. to earn an M.Ed. at the University of Washington.
Colleen has worked in the International Education field for over 20 years, including teaching lntercultural Communication, developing and managing study/teach abroad programs and international college partnerships, meeting with prospective students and their families overseas to share the value of a community college education, administering federal grants to internationalize campus and curricula, and serving as a domestic and international student advisor.
Colleen is passionate about health and fitness, and is a dedicated yoga practitioner. The Ferguson family enjoys spending time in the outdoors and their vacations often include trips to national parks.
Colleen believes that education is a lifelong journey of acquiring knowledge, awareness, and understanding. It empowers us to reach our full potential and achieve our dreams. There is much to be learned outside of our comfort zones, whether traveling internationally, or to a new part of our city or country. She encourages each of us to go with our ears and hearts open.
Because she works full-time, the First Lady has limited opportunities for public events and speaking engagements. Through her career and passion for education and learning, Colleen hopes to give back to Washingtonians in a meaningful way.