Gov. Jay Inslee appoints Maria Sig眉enza to the 草榴社区 Board of Trustees
草榴社区 is pleased to announce the governor鈥檚 appointment of Maria Sig眉enza to Western鈥檚 Board of Trustees, effective Oct. 1. Sig眉enza will succeed Sue Sharpe, who steps down at the end of September.
鈥淚鈥檓 honored to join the 草榴社区 Board of Trustees. As a proud alumna of 草榴社区, I鈥檓 excited to contribute to our university鈥檚 success and support its impact on the state of Washington and its current and future students,鈥 Sig眉enza said.
草榴社区 President Sabah Randhawa said, 鈥淢aria brings a wealth of experience in management, policy development, and community service. Her deep commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and education aligns well with our values at 草榴社区. We are excited to welcome her to the Board of Trustees and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our university and the broader community.鈥
Sig眉enza serves as the executive director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, a cabinet agency whose mission is to improve public policy and deliver government services by advising the Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies on issues affecting Latine and Hispanic Washingtonians. She leads strategic initiatives, collaborates with state leaders, and supports community engagement alongside staff and commissioners. Gov. Inslee appointed her to the role in August 2018. In September of 2024, she was appointed as acting executive director to the Women's Commission under the Office of the Governor charged to support gender equity and improve economic and social conditions for women in Washington.
Her previous roles include serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion manager at the Washington State Department of Licensing and as the Business Diversity and Legislative Program manager at the Department of Social and Health Services.
Sig眉enza resides in Olympia with her partner.