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This dedicated space allows for awareness of subconscious thoughts and attitudes that affect our perceptions about people, systemic issues, the decisions we make, and our impact on our community. Together, this community can learn what to do with our awareness and how to step into action.
What Our Members Are Saying
Joining the Learning Community
The Commitment
We ask new members of the RSJ Learning Community to serve a one-year term. The full RSJ Learning Community meets monthly to discuss and address annual goals.
In addition, subcommittees meet as needed to achieve specific objectives in relation to racial and social justice events, campaigns, activities, and objectives.
General Meetings
The generative discussions during monthly meetings allow for:
- Calls to action (CTAs) & campaigns
- Community-building space
- Discussions related to YWCA Spokane’s work and mission
- Volunteer/service-based opportunities
- Workshops & webinars
- And much more!
Enrollment
A limited enrollment window allows our community of dedicated volunteers and staff members the ability to maintain a cohesive group with clear objectives throughout the year.
Enrollment is now open and the interest form is below. Contact equity@ywcaspokane.org for questions.
Interest Form
Additional Information
We are grateful to the members that dedicate their energy and time to this work.
Co-Facilitator: Tamika LaMere, Jazmin Duran
Members: Alondra Herrera, Brit Wilson, Caroline Mark, Chandler Dean, Chloe Bolz, Claire Schueman, Dana Morris Lee, Erica Schreiber, Jeanette Hauck, Jemma Riedel-Johnson, Jessie Cook, Karla Trejo-Bernal, Lauren Moffat, Liz Backstrom, M.E. Martin, Dr. Claudine Richardson, Devyn Bell, Dr. Deborah Svoboda, Edward Renouard, Jessica Pakootas, Jenn Nagata, Sami Sanchez, Steve Lloyd, Wendy Schatz, Roupé, Sally Winn, Teresa Dixon, Elisse Collins, Jennifer Love, Inga Laurent, Rowena Pineda, Heather Schmitt, Rachel Dannen, Aashika Dahal, LaKeisha Davis, Naomi Abella
Tamika LaMere
Tamika, a citizen of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana, has dedicated her career to advocating for Native American/Alaskan Native communities, particularly within education. With a background in Social Work and Educational Leadership and an MSW from Eastern Washington University, she has worked with Spokane Public Schools since 2016, serving as an Intervention Specialist, Native Education Coordinator, and now Director of Native Education. Tamika focuses on strategic planning, professional development, and systems change to enhance representation and visibility of Native communities. Her work is grounded in building trust, fostering authentic relationships, and amplifying community voices. Outside of her SPS role, she serves on several boards and committees, including the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Better Health Together, and the YWCA, and chairs the Tribal Partners Collaborative. Tamika also leads initiatives like the Native Educator Cultivation Program and the Washington State Native American Education Advisory Committee, and is a commissioner on the Washington State Tribal Advisory Committee on Indian Boarding Schools. She is committed to creating opportunities that nurture the educational success and well-being of Indigenous youth.
Jazmin Duran
Jazmin has spent four years working in behavioral health, specializing in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, where she provided direct services to youth with autism diagnoses. Her work is rooted in a deep passion for supporting individuals and she is committed to creating meaningful, positive change in their lives. Alongside her professional dedication to behavioral health, Jazmin is also passionate about women’s advocacy, striving to empower and uplift women in her community. Jazmin holds a BA in Spanish and a BA in Psychology, both from Eastern Washington University. She enjoys connecting with local organizations and individuals, collaborating with them to ensure that resources are shared to the Spokane community. Jazmin’s commitment to both advocacy and service drives her work, as she continues to be a compassionate and proactive advocate for those in need of support.
YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
We’ve been at the forefront of the biggest issues of the day for 165 years, working to improve the lives of women, girls, and communities of color through three Areas of Focus:
If you are passionate about supporting YWCA Spokane's racial and social justice work but missed the enrollment window, we encourage you to volunteer and support the work and mission in other ways. Please direct any questions to our team at equity@ywcaspokane.org.
Want to be part of system change? Consider exploring our advocacy suggestions here. Formerly an RSJ subcommittee, our legislative advocacy work has become a new, board-led committee that identifies issues and develops policies and procedures to facilitate social change. Interested? Please email Liz Backstrom at lizb@ywcaspokane.org.