Brittany Gregory, the newly appointed Executive Director of the Washington State Women’s Commission, outlines the agency’s role in addressing the needs of Washington women and girls amid widespread uncertainty, fear, and heightened risks.

"We've been faced with a really dangerous landscape for women across communities, especially those in marginalized communities,” Gregory says.

“This includes our women of color, who not only have to deal with the compounded effects of racism and gender inequality but are now facing fewer economic opportunities.

We have undocumented women who face the fear of deportation and being ripped away from their lives and families. We have our transgender and gender non-conforming community whose very existence is being attacked. And we have women who rely on services like Medicaid or affordable childcare, who can no longer afford to support their families. Then, of course, we have survivors of gender-based violence, whose advocates are being asked to do more with less. No survivor should be left with nowhere to turn.

When I say that I understand these are difficult times, I truly mean it. I know that many of you are scared.”

Gregory joins the Women’s Commission following an expansive search led by the Office of Governor Bob Ferguson. The Commission was established by the Washington State Legislature in 2018 to ensure that state policies and programs reflect and respond to the real needs of women and girls, particularly those from historically excluded communities. In today’s political climate, Gregory says, the Commission’s role is even more clear.

“We are here to serve as both a shield and a bridge,” Gregory says.
 “A shield—so that women and girls have access to accurate, timely information and services. A bridge—so we can connect the community to decision makers who can enact lasting, systemic change.”

Gregory also shares her personal vision for the Commission, grounded in what she describes as both the “immense responsibility and great honor” of serving as Executive Director.

“My personal vision for the Commission is to become the central hub for advancing the well-being of all women and girls across the state, grounded in data and driven by community voices. We must become the advocates that all of you need us to be.”

Want to hear from Director Gregory? Click the links below.

• Youtube - Full Length Video
• Instagram - Short Video

ABOUT WASHINGTON STATE WOMEN’S COMMISSION

The Washington State Women’s Commission (WSWC) is an executive branch cabinet agency in the Office of Governor Bob Ferguson serving as a voice in government for Washington women and girls. Signed into law in 2018, WSWC aims to improve the well-being of women by identifying and developing policies to remove systemic barriers and address critical issues that disproportionately impact women, including childcare access and affordability, domestic and gender-based violence, equal pay, and intersectional inequities.