Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Events
The Equity Convening: A Systemwide Gathering for Shared Alignment & Action
The Washington Association of Community and Technical Colleges (WACTC) Equity Committee will host the first Equity Convening, which brings together equity leaders and practitioners from across Washington’s community and technical college system to align efforts, elevate practices, and strengthen collaboration.
This inaugural gathering focuses on shared learning, strategic dialogue, and building
a community of practice grounded in collective impact and responsibility. It will
be held in The Ripple Space in Vancouver, Washington.
Please refer to our latest AGENDA of the Systemwide Gathering for Shared Alignment & Action.
Date and Location
Date: August 16-17, 2026
Location: The Ripple Space
275 W 3rd St Ste 400
Vancouver, WA 98660
Attendees
This invitation-only convening is designed for:
- Diversity Equity Officers Commission (DEOC)
- Multicultural Student Services Directors Council (MSSDC)
- SBCTC Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Washington CTC American Indian Advisory Board
- Multicultural Student Services Directors Council (MSSDC)
- SBCTC Office of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
- Washington CTC American Indian Advisory Board
- Invited equity leaders and practitioners across the system
Cost
- No registration fee
- Meals provided during the convening
- Travel and hotel costs covered by attendees’ institutions
Hotel
A block of rooms at the Hilton Vancouver Washington is reserved at the state per diem rate for check-in on Sunday, August 16 and check-out on Tuesday, August 18.
Hilton Vancouver Washington
301 W 6th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Tel: 360-993-4500
Planning Committee Members
| Leadership Role | Name | College | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Co-Chair |
Iesha Valencia |
Clover Park Technical College |
Associate Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion |
|
Co-Chair |
Dr. Felix Braffith |
WA SBCTC |
Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion |
|
Planning Committee Member |
Dr. Maya Esquivido-Strom |
WA SBCTC |
Director of Tribal Government Affairs |
|
Planning Committee Member |
Melissa Williams |
WA SBCTC |
Policy Associate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion |
|
Planning Committee Member (Administrative Assistant) |
Courtnay Nguyen |
WA SBCTC |
Administrative Assistant |
|
Planning Committee Member |
Edwina Fui |
Highline College |
Director, Center for Cultural & Inclusive Excellence |
|
Planning Committee Member |
Eduardo Torres |
Edmonds College |
Associate Director |