“The late Elson S. Floyd inculcated a culture of openness and diversity at Washington State University that will remain one of our guiding principles. About a third of WSU’s annual freshman class come from ethnically diverse backgrounds. By creating a high-quality institution that is accessible and affordable, we are educating the next generation of diverse leaders.”
— Lynne K. Varner
Assoc. Vice Pres., Public Affairs, Washington State University
“Embrace your culture, values, strengths and create a leadership style that is your own. It’s important to celebrate and leverage the unique perspectives that each person brings to the table and to respect and listen to one another.”
— Marci Nakano, Executive Director
Executive Development Institute
“Diversity drives innovation; the more people we have approaching a problem from different perspectives, the faster and more efficiently that problem is solved. At King County, we are committed to empowering and developing our employees, and ensuring current and future leaders reflect the diversity of our community.”
— Dow Constantine
King County Executive
“Today’s leaders must recognize and leverage the value of diversity to effectively address the challenges of a more complex world. Leaders’ curiosity about those from diverse backgrounds enables them to better maximize their respective assets. “Diversity of thought” challenges assumptions and accelerates problem-solving, creating richer workplaces and capable organizations. Value the diversity of your people, while building an atmosphere where everybody belongs.”
— E.M. “Eddie” Pasatiempo
Chief / Client Officer, Serengeti Law
“A successful future depends upon how well we prepare our future leaders. It is important to recognize and celebrate each person’s individuality, foster creativity, and encourage people to share their unique gifts. We must be open-minded and enthusiastic about creating, maintaining, and modeling a culture of open communication and acceptance.”
— Dr. Jean Hernandez
President, Edmonds Community College
“To manifest diversity’s power, a leader must have the unique ability to genuinely see the world through another’s eyes. But this is challenging, because such learning requires that we first confront our own cultural biases. To develop diverse leaders, teach openness and empathy. Model inclusiveness. And celebrate differences. Every day.”
— Daryl J. Campbell
President and CEO, Seattle Goodwill
“I strongly believe that we have a duty to ensure that the next generation of leaders reflect the diversity of our community. That is why I secured a $5,000 grant for the API Community Leadership Foundation to help us achieve this essential objective.”
— Rod Dembowski
King County Councilmember
“When people from diverse backgrounds, races and cultures are brought together, discussions become so much richer. If everyone looked alike, talked alike and held the same viewpoints, what a boring place this would be! I much prefer the world in in all its vibrant shades and hues – when diversity is allowed to flourish, magic happens.”
— Jan Levy
Executive Director, Leadership Tomorrow
“We strongly believe in making sure the leadership and sales force in our organization reflect the multi-dimensional composition of the communities we serve. Leaders are found in every group of people, and we consciously select a diverse cross-section of associates to attend our leadership training seminars. The better we reflect our customers, the better our business becomes. It’s been our strength for over 103 years.”
— Jon Bridge
Co-chair, Ben Bridge Jeweler
“Education provides an opportunity to view life with fresh eyes. You are standing in a new place, seeing from a new perspective. The talents and strengths discovered through your own hard work and persistence are in your hands. Now, use your heart to apply them to your life and community.”
— Cheryl Roberts, Ed.D.
President, Shoreline Community College