Join the Movement to Build a Diverse Mid-Columbia Future Workforce!
About the Session:
Student demographics, such as race and family income, are still predictive of education and employment outcomes in our region. Transforming our local business and K-16 education systems to better serve students who are underrepresented in our thriving economy requires authentic collaboration across key players who possess a diverse set of expertise and experiences.
During this panel discussion you will hear from local leaders about how they are playing a critical role in ensuring diversity through equity by helping all young people to build a vision for career and life success. Learn how you can join representatives from business, labor, education, and the community at large working together to build a more equitable system that supports all students in preparing to thrive in our vibrant Mid-Columbia economy. You will also hear examples of how reaching back to help pull the next generation forward can increase current employee satisfaction, development and skill-building and provide a platform to share your organization's story in our community.
Student demographics, such as race and family income, are still predictive of education and employment outcomes in our region. Transforming our local business and K-16 education systems to better serve students who are underrepresented in our thriving economy requires authentic collaboration across key players who possess a diverse set of expertise and experiences.
During this panel discussion you will hear from local leaders about how they are playing a critical role in ensuring diversity through equity by helping all young people to build a vision for career and life success. Learn how you can join representatives from business, labor, education, and the community at large working together to build a more equitable system that supports all students in preparing to thrive in our vibrant Mid-Columbia economy. You will also hear examples of how reaching back to help pull the next generation forward can increase current employee satisfaction, development and skill-building and provide a platform to share your organization's story in our community.
Deb Bowen
About the Moderator:
Deb Bowen has served as Executive Director of the Washington State STEM Education Foundation and Mid-Columbia STEM Network since 2014. Deb began her career in the nuclear industry, working as a health physics technician on the Hanford nuclear site while completing her education. Upon graduation she worked as a human resources manager helping to build Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station nuclear facility. In this role she observed major gaps in workforce readiness within current college graduates and, with the support of technical managers, developed programs to bridge those gaps. Through that experience Deb became more involved in education, both as an adjunct instructor at Washington State University and through education related political initiatives. After successfully founding a marketing consulting firm, Deb eventually directed her full attention towards social entrepreneurship. She co-founded and was the first Executive Director of The Reading Foundation, created a state anti-violence initiative, and served as the Executive Director of Junior Achievement of the Greater Tri-Cities. Deb has led efforts to raise millions of dollars on behalf of education initiatives, recruited thousands of volunteers, and engaged broad cross-sector support for equitable opportunities for all young people. Deb earned an M.B.A. degree from the University of Washington, Foster School of Business. She was named Columbia Basin College Alum of the Year, received the Crystal Apple Award, the Education Alliance Bridge Builders Award, and the SEWASA - Outstanding Service to Education Award.
Deb Bowen has served as Executive Director of the Washington State STEM Education Foundation and Mid-Columbia STEM Network since 2014. Deb began her career in the nuclear industry, working as a health physics technician on the Hanford nuclear site while completing her education. Upon graduation she worked as a human resources manager helping to build Energy Northwest’s Columbia Generating Station nuclear facility. In this role she observed major gaps in workforce readiness within current college graduates and, with the support of technical managers, developed programs to bridge those gaps. Through that experience Deb became more involved in education, both as an adjunct instructor at Washington State University and through education related political initiatives. After successfully founding a marketing consulting firm, Deb eventually directed her full attention towards social entrepreneurship. She co-founded and was the first Executive Director of The Reading Foundation, created a state anti-violence initiative, and served as the Executive Director of Junior Achievement of the Greater Tri-Cities. Deb has led efforts to raise millions of dollars on behalf of education initiatives, recruited thousands of volunteers, and engaged broad cross-sector support for equitable opportunities for all young people. Deb earned an M.B.A. degree from the University of Washington, Foster School of Business. She was named Columbia Basin College Alum of the Year, received the Crystal Apple Award, the Education Alliance Bridge Builders Award, and the SEWASA - Outstanding Service to Education Award.
Dee Gray
About the Speakers:
Dee Gray is Chief of Staff at CHPRC, a prime engineering and environmental contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site. In her current role, Dee manages government affairs and strategic projects.
Dee’s background includes business management and strategic consultation. She has served in various leadership roles within large companies as well as supported business development in small businesses focusing on engaging relationships. Dee built her own company and served as a communication consultant for CH2M HILL’s leadership team prior to coming in as a core member of its contract transitions group. Prior to that role, Dee served as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer of Fluor Hanford.
Dee is a strategic thinker, motivated by challenging roles that bring teams together. Her strengths include organizational communication and bringing business strategies to fruition. Her passion includes facilitating teams through challenging concepts.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Dee Gray is Chief of Staff at CHPRC, a prime engineering and environmental contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy at the Hanford Site. In her current role, Dee manages government affairs and strategic projects.
Dee’s background includes business management and strategic consultation. She has served in various leadership roles within large companies as well as supported business development in small businesses focusing on engaging relationships. Dee built her own company and served as a communication consultant for CH2M HILL’s leadership team prior to coming in as a core member of its contract transitions group. Prior to that role, Dee served as Chief of Staff to the Chief Financial Officer of Fluor Hanford.
Dee is a strategic thinker, motivated by challenging roles that bring teams together. Her strengths include organizational communication and bringing business strategies to fruition. Her passion includes facilitating teams through challenging concepts.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Communications as well as a Master of Business Administration.
Frederick Davis
Frederick Davis, MA, is an accomplished professional with experience as a senior leader.
He acquired his Bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University where he was a three-year letterman in football and he received his Master’s degree from San Francisco State University.
Before coming to Pacific Northwest National Labortory, Frederick has worked with three fortune 500 companies as part of their Global Diversity & Inclusion and Human Resources teams. He also has an extensive background in higher education and non-profit senior leadership.
His educational background, work experience, drive, passion and leadership skills are the consistent qualities where Frederick has developed a strong reputation.
He acquired his Bachelor’s degree at Colorado State University where he was a three-year letterman in football and he received his Master’s degree from San Francisco State University.
Before coming to Pacific Northwest National Labortory, Frederick has worked with three fortune 500 companies as part of their Global Diversity & Inclusion and Human Resources teams. He also has an extensive background in higher education and non-profit senior leadership.
His educational background, work experience, drive, passion and leadership skills are the consistent qualities where Frederick has developed a strong reputation.
Laura Sanchez
Laura Sanchez is the Director of the Intercultural Center at Whitman College where she is responsible for ensuring a community of belonging and providing positive developmental experiences for students who identify as multicultural, international, LGBTQIA+, or other marginalized identities.
Her experience includes various roles in the higher education and non-profit sectors primarily working with college students, youth and families.
Laura holds BA degrees in Sociology and Communications from Central Washington University and a MS in Communications from Eastern Washington University.
Her experience includes various roles in the higher education and non-profit sectors primarily working with college students, youth and families.
Laura holds BA degrees in Sociology and Communications from Central Washington University and a MS in Communications from Eastern Washington University.
Carlin Llorente
Carlin Llorente serves as Director of Strategic Partnerships for Washington STEM, leading the process of building sustainable, strategic partnerships across Washington. Carlin brings significant experience leading innovative research and development efforts in early and informal STEM learning. Throughout his career he has worked on projects that seek to increase opportunity for children and students growing up in underserved communities.
Carlin previously worked as a Program Director at SRI Education in Menlo Park, California, where he led and contributed to research and development efforts focused on early math, science, and literacy, including the summative and formative evaluation of the U.S. Department of Education’s Ready to Learn program. His work has been sponsored by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Science Foundation, The Jim Henson Company, and other clients. Prior to SRI, he worked at Education Development Center in Newton, Massachusetts as a researcher and project director.
Carlin holds an Ed.M. in Human Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a self-designed BA from The Evergreen State College. He lives in Seattle with his wife and two children, with whom he loves seeking out new adventures, especially ones involving tasty things to eat. An avid runner, Carlin enjoys getting outside, especially on trails, in all kinds of weather.
Carlin previously worked as a Program Director at SRI Education in Menlo Park, California, where he led and contributed to research and development efforts focused on early math, science, and literacy, including the summative and formative evaluation of the U.S. Department of Education’s Ready to Learn program. His work has been sponsored by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Science Foundation, The Jim Henson Company, and other clients. Prior to SRI, he worked at Education Development Center in Newton, Massachusetts as a researcher and project director.
Carlin holds an Ed.M. in Human Development from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a self-designed BA from The Evergreen State College. He lives in Seattle with his wife and two children, with whom he loves seeking out new adventures, especially ones involving tasty things to eat. An avid runner, Carlin enjoys getting outside, especially on trails, in all kinds of weather.
