aerial view of Western's campus at night, with golden lights surrounded by dark trees

Gov. Jay Inslee appoints Maria Sigüenza to the WWU Board of Trustees

WWU is pleased to announce the governor’s appointment of Maria Sigüenza to Western’s Board of Trustees, effective Oct. 1. Sigüenza will succeed Sue Sharpe, who steps down at the end of September. 

Maria Sigüenza

“I’m honored to join the WWU Board of Trustees. As a proud alumna of WWU, I’m excited to contribute to our university’s success and support its impact on the state of Washington and its current and future students,” Sigüenza said.  
 
WWU President Sabah Randhawa said, “Maria brings a wealth of experience in management, policy development, and community service. Her deep commitment to advancing equity, inclusion, and education aligns well with our values at WWU. We are excited to welcome her to the Board of Trustees and look forward to the positive impact she will have on our university and the broader community.” 

Sigüenza serves as the executive director of the Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs, a cabinet agency whose mission is to improve public policy and deliver government services by advising the Governor, the Legislature, and state agencies on issues affecting Latine and Hispanic Washingtonians. She leads strategic initiatives, collaborates with state leaders, and supports community engagement alongside staff and commissioners. Gov. Inslee appointed her to the role in August 2018. In September of 2024, she was appointed as acting executive director to the Women's Commission under the Office of the Governor charged to support gender equity and improve economic and social conditions for women in Washington.  

Her previous roles include serving as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion manager at the Washington State Department of Licensing and as the Business Diversity and Legislative Program manager at the Department of Social and Health Services.  

Sigüenza resides in Olympia with her partner.