Gov. Jay Inslee announced he is appointing Lisa Keating director of the Washington State LGBTQ Commission. The position was previously held by Manny Santiago, who served as the commission’s inaugural director when it launched in 2019. He left the commission in February 2024. Sheri Sawyer, deputy director of policy and outreach for the governor's office, has served as acting director. 

Keating has extensive experience advocating on behalf of LGBTQ+ people in Washington state and nationally. From 2021 to 2023, she served as the director of family engagement and policy with the GenderCool Project, a youth-led movement helping replace misinformed opinions with positive experiences meeting transgender and non-binary youth who are thriving. Prior to that, Keating founded and ran My Purple Umbrella, where she provided training on LGBTQ+ safety and inclusion for schools, healthcare facilities and community organizations. 

"Throughout her career Lisa has worked to better the lives of those who count themselves part of the LGBTQ+ community here in Washington and across the country," said Inslee. "With her integrity, experience and dedication to public service she is well placed to lead this commission and advance the cause of building a stronger, more equitable Washington. I also want to thank Manny and Sheri for their leadership. Manny did tremendous work to build and strengthen the commission in its first years, and Sheri has made sure the commission maintained its momentum while we searched for a new director."

Keating has also worked as an ELO (expanded learning opportunities) provider at the Tacoma Public Schools. She was elected to the school board for Tacoma Public Schools in 2019 and currently serves as the board's president. 

"The LGBTQ+ commission in Washington is doing groundbreaking work," said Keating. "From the statewide survey currently underway to the youth advisory council in development, I look forward to working with my colleagues to improve the way state government meets the needs of Washingtonians, in a manner that is inclusive and mindful of gender or sexual orientation." 

This appointment is effective August 16.

The Washington State LGBTQ+ Survey is now LIVE!

This first-of-its-kind statewide survey aims to understand the characteristics and experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the state of Washington. The research is funded by the Washington LGBTQ Commission and is being designed for LGBTQ+ Washingtonians by LGBTQ+ Washingtonians by a queer research team at Washington State University. The LGBTQ Commission will use the findings to inform their policy recommendations to the Office of the Governor and the Washington State Legislature. Survey participants will be eligible for raffle drawings.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit https://lgbtq.wa.gov/survey.

Follow our survey team’s social media! @walgbtqsurvey on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter/X

Happy Pride!

Be part of history at GSBA's inaugural Economic Development Conference in Seattle, where cross-community connections pave the way for shared prosperity. 

GSBA proudly presents its inaugural Economic Development Conference, the first of its kind in Seattle! This premier event is dedicated to advancing supplier diversity and fostering equitable opportunities for all businesses, and best of all, it's FREE for participants this year. 

The 2024 GSBA Economic Development Conference is THE signature event for business owners and professionals committed to advancing supplier diversity and creating equitable opportunities for all businesses. 

This two-day event will connect certified small businesses with corporate and government entities in order to explore opportunities to do business together. 

Day One, in person, includes learning opportunities, networking over breakfast and lunch, and an LGBTBE Pitch Competition where the winner will receive an all-expense paid trip to the 2024 NGLCC Conference (conference fee, hotel and airfare) courtesy of Wells Fargo. 

***To qualify for the pitch competition, you must be a GSBA member and LGBTQ Certified or in process of certification.***

Day Two, also in person, features roundtable and one-on-one matchmaking, where you can explore opportunities with Corporate Procurement Partners and Government Agencies! Day two will also feature an all-day vendor pop-up showcasing businesses and services. 

📅 Save the date! September 9 - 10, 2024  

📍 Amazon "Arizona" Building, directions

MultiCare’s team of BIPOC and queer researchers is leading paid conversations to explore bisexual Women of Color’s experiences across perinatal healthcare (healthcare during pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum). Sharing your story can help advance health equity and reproductive justice for our community! All folks who participate will be compensated $50.

To learn more or sign up to participate, complete the interest form at https://redcap.link/ThriveInterview or reach out to Deana Williams at HealthEquityResearch@multicare.org.

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse Washingtonians who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of Washingtonians. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government.

We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities.

As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities.  Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application.  Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved!

Thank you for your assistance in helping Governor Inslee find well-rounded candidates with significant talent and diverse experiences. Please feel free to reach out to Boards and Commissions staff with any questions you might have.  Thank you for your time.