Media Contact: (360) 664-1116 or media@utc.wa.gov
UTC welcomes first equity director
LACEY, Wash. - The Utilities and Transportation Commission named Denise Williams as the new equity director, effective March 1.
Williams brings more than 15 years of experience as an educator and diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging advocate. In January 2018, Williams became the co-founder, diversity consultant, and director of operations for Engaging Across Difference that helps others successfully engage across the differences established by and resulting from social hierarchies.
“I am confident that Denise will help our agency grow in our EDI journey and help us make effective strategic decisions to best meet the needs of our workforce and those we serve,” said Executive Director Jeff Killip. “I look forward to launching into this powerfully important work with Denise.”
Previously, Williams worked as a K-3 and eighth-grade Spanish teacher with the Seattle Country Day School and later served as the Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging for Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, Wash. Williams also served as a Spanish teacher, diversity committee member, advisor, coach and dorm parent at Tabor Academy in Marion, Mass.
“I’m thrilled to join the UTC team to help develop, lead, and partner on EDI initiatives to create a culture rooted in equity and belonging,” said Williams. “If we center humanity with every new initiative, plan, and rollout, we are certain to arrive at the destination of unity and equity.”
Williams holds a master's in Spanish language and literature from Middlebury College and a bachelor's in Spanish from the College of Holy Cross.
The UTC regulates the rates and services of telecommunications companies, investor-owned electric utilities, natural gas and water companies, garbage-collection haulers, household-goods movers and passenger transportation companies, commercial ferries, pipeline companies, marine pilotage, and a low-level radioactive waste repository. The commission does not regulate the rates of broadband, cellular, cable, or internet service.
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