WERE

The word, itself, is past tense. WERE, the organization, is anything but. The Washington Employers for Racial Equity is up front and definitely in the present. It is a coalition of private sector leaders and CEOs dedicated to equity and advancement for Black people in the workplace and fostering investment in Black-owned businesses. Shirline Wilson is WERE’s new Executive Director.

“I am encouraged by the aspirations and goals set out by members of the WERE coalition and their shared desire to realize authentic progress,” Wilson said. “Collectively, we all must challenge ourselves, and be willing to be uncomfortable, if we are to get to the heart of the work necessary to make progress. It will be challenging work and I am honored to serve this mission at this critical stage.” Wilson will also lead the efforts, along with stakeholders, to move the needle on racial equity in the State.

“We are thrilled to welcome Shirline to this effort. She brings deep experience in the private sector and as a coalition and community builder, which is essential to advancing the coalition’s work to support an equitable future for Black Washingtonians,” said Chris Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle, a founding sponsor of the WERE coalition.

Shirline Wilson spent the last seven years as the state executive director for Education Reform Now Washington. As such, she managed a group of leaders from several organizations and was the
liaison between them and state agencies, legislators, community-based organizations, and civil rights groups. Wilson was also one of the creators of the education improvement group, Black Joy Consortium, which focuses on Black students and families. Wilson attended the University of Washington and has a master’s degree in education policy.

WERE is committed to racial equity in Washington State. The eighteen-month-old group is beginning its work with Black Washingtonians because of the centurieslong injustice and unequal treatment of Black people. The group plans to listen, learn, and set goals. WERE’s website promises to measure and report on collective progress. “While a need for more robust and better data remains, this first report provides a baseline from which we will set goals and catalyze efforts to advance equity in our workplaces.”

Best of luck, Shirline Wilson!

Want more information? Read the WERE report at: employers4equity.org