Thank you for joining us for STEP UP 2025: Moving Equity Forward

Step Up 2025: Moving Equity Forward is not just a conference—it's a powerful movement dedicated to understanding and advancing the intersectionality of race, equity, diversity and inclusion.

On April 25, Leadership Snohomish County hosted a virtual event with presenters across multiple fields and industries, working to build capacity and connection in support of employees, leaders, and the communities they serve. 

This event equipped attendees with strategies and day-to-day actions that span sectors from business and government to nonprofits. 

Participants delved into unexplored aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion and discussed how emphasizing these areas supports their bottom line and contributes to organizational success.

Our interactive conference offered attendees opportunities to engage in discussions, network with others, and participate in Q&A sessions. With meticulously curated presentations for our region’s diverse interests and learning needs, participants joined solution-oriented workshops focused on all aspects of racial equity, with fresh perspectives on pressing issues.

To learn more about Leadership Snohomish County, contact info@leadershipsc.org.

SHRM Certification:

Leadership Snohomish County is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDCs) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities. This program is valid for six (6) PDCs for the SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification.

Thank you, sponsors!

Engage: Hazel Miller Foundation
Emerge: Community Transit, The Everett Herald, & The Tulalip Resort Casino
Promote: Edmonds College, Everett Community College, Volunteers of America Western Washington, City of Lynnwood, and YWCA Seattle, King & Snohomish
Contribute: City of Mountlake Terrace & Ziply Fiber
Support: ChildStrive, Domestic Violence Services of Snohomish County, Washington Vocational Services, The Cannabis Alliance, Sherwood Community Services, Greater Everett Chamber of Commerce & The At-Homish Podcast

2025 WORKSHOP PRESENTERS

Click here to view speakers & workshop descriptions.

• Adrianne Wagner, Quaesitum Consulting, The Rest Remedy

• Courtney Wooten, Suburbia Rising/Stories of Self & Solidarity, Appreciative Inquiry and Community Engagement: Case Studies and Practices

• Ty Reed, Recovery Career Services, Building Mental Health and Recovery-Friendly Workplaces

• Zander Keig, Keig Consulting, Talking Trans at Work

• Melanie Ryan & Shara Hammond, MFR Coaching & Consulting, Beyond Resistance: Empowering Change Agents for Equity

• Alicia Crank, NW WA Civic Circle, Addressing The Civic Engagement Desert  

• Ami Davis, The Acadami, Trauma Responsive Care with an Equity Lens

• Ivette Bayo, Ph.D., Privacy by Design, Once Upon a Time Online: Unpacking Digital Harms Through an Equity Lens

• Fleur Larsen, Fleur Larsen Facilitation, Challenging Patriarchy: Engaging White Men and Women in Transformatio

• Karen Crowley & Valerie Rosman, League of Women Voters of Snohomish County, Speak Up School - Your Voice Matters

• Frank Velasquez, 4DaHood, How Curiosity Catalyzes Conversations and Creates Genuine Collaborations

• Elaine Szeto & Dr. Alma Trinidad, Portland State University, School of Social Work, Everyday Courage and Acts of Love: Diversity & Equity Work as Inner Work

• James Boutin, Navigating Conflict Across Differences of Privilege and Identity

• Avery Berschauer, A-B Inclusion, Planning Inclusive Events