Alumni Speaker Series

Dr. DeAnn Dillon (SIAS '17, EdD '23)

Faculty, Seattle Colleges

November 7, 2024
6 - 7:30 p.m.
William W. Philip Hall

DeAnn Dillon is a citizen of the White Earth Nation of Ojibwe but grew up with the Puyallup Nation in Tacoma. DeAnn graduated with her doctorate in Educational Leadership from the University of Washington Tacoma’s partnership with Muckleshoot Tribal College. She received her MPA from The Evergreen State College Tribal Governance program, attained her BA in Ethnic, Gender & Labor studies with a minor in American Indian Studies from UWT, and an AA from Tacoma Community College. DeAnn serves as a full-time tenure-track faculty member at South Seattle College, a lecturer in UWT/Muckleshoot Tribal College’s Ed. D program, and she is a school board member for Chief Leschi School. Her journey from tribal school, Tribal foster parenting, Tribal Early Learning Education, and working in the WA State legislature led to DeAnn’s passion for enhancing representation and supporting a bridge of access for Natives in state government, agencies, and higher education. In her own words, “​​As a tribal community teacher, auntie, mentor, and advocate, having lived the same experiences carrying the generational traumas of settler colonialization, it is imperative that I share my ancestorial knowledge to disrupt, dismantle, and rebuild education as a healing tool.”

Dr. Natalie Hart (SIAS '11)

December 4, 2024
6 - 7:30 p.m.
William W. Philip Hall, 1918 Pacific Ave., UW Tacoma campus

Dr. Natalie Hart is a seasoned DEI consultant with over a decade of experience. She excels in creating inclusive workplace cultures, developing engaging training programs, and facilitating courageous conversations. With expertise in breaking down complex subjects and crafting compelling presentations, Dr. Hart empowers teams to thrive. She holds a doctorate in K-12 Leadership from University of Southern California, a master in Education Policy and a double bachelor's degree in American Ethnic Studies, Communication, and Comparative History of Ideas from the University of Washington.