Thank you for your service!

YWCA Spokane is proud to take this opportunity to highlight one of the deeply valued members of our Board of Directors, Jerrall Haynes. Each member of our board is passionate about our community and dedicates their time, talent, and resources towards the fulfillment of our mission. On behalf of our team, those we serve, and our community we thank you for all you do!

Jerrall Haynes serves as the inaugural director of Spokane’s Office of Civil Rights, Equity, and Inclusion (OCREI), leading the city’s efforts to advance racial and social justice, enforce civil rights protections, and foster inclusive policies. Appointed by Mayor Nadine Woodward and confirmed by the Spokane City Council, Haynes has been a key architect in shaping the office, having worked since 2021 to establish its foundation.

A dedicated public servant, Haynes brings extensive experience in civic leadership and equity advocacy. He served on the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors for six years, culminating in his election as board president in 2019. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in major policy decisions, including new school boundaries, the construction of a downtown stadium, and the district’s adoption of an equity policy.

Prior to leading OCREI, Haynes was Spokane’s first civil rights coordinator, responsible for addressing discrimination complaints, guiding individuals to legal resources, and helping define the scope of the city’s civil rights work. His career also includes roles as a community court coordinator with the City of Spokane and as a peer support specialist at Excelsior Youth Center. Additionally, he served seven years as an equal opportunity officer in the U.S. Air Force, deepening his commitment to ensuring fairness and justice in institutional systems.

Under Haynes’ leadership, OCREI is focused on strengthening Spokane’s civil rights infrastructure, streamlining the complaint process, increasing language accessibility, and collaborating with community partners to create a more equitable city. His vision for the office includes developing proactive policies that address systemic discrimination and supporting marginalized communities in accessing their rights.

Haynes is deeply committed to community engagement and encourages Spokane residents to participate in OCREI’s initiatives, neighborhood councils, and forums to help shape a more inclusive future for all.