Director of Diversity Efforts

Mitchell Chen, Director of Diversity Efforts

Hometown: Issaquah, WA

Major: Microbiology, C/O 2016

How did you get involved with ASUW?
I was in the UW Leaders program my sophomore year. I wanted to get involved with equity and social justice so I decided to get involved with the diversity commissions. I loved interning with the Queer Student Commission so much that I decided to apply for the Director position! I spent last year as the Queer Student Commission director and now I’ve been fortunate enough to return as the Director of Diversity Efforts. I love the social justice aspect of ASUW!

What does your job entail?
The Director of Diversity Efforts oversees and liaisons for the eight ASUW Diversity Commissions and SARVA. This role works closely with the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity Student Advisory Board (SAB), Ethnic Cultural Center, Q Center, D Center, Women’s Center, FIUTS, and other entities representing diverse communities. In addition, this role chairs the Joint Commissions Committee (JCC), working to unite the eight Diversity Commissions and SARVA to create collaborative programming and be a voice for diversity issues on campus.

Favorite part of working for the ASUW?
I love working for ASUW because of the people. I love the camaraderie that comes from surrounding yourself with passionate people. I’m always inspired to do more and have built a great network of friends since coming to work for ASUW.

What career do you hope to pursue long term?
I’m hoping to take a gap year and go to medical school to become a family physician for underrepresented communities.