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 National Children’s 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 National Children’s 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.
