"Profiles in Black Leadership" to Feature Megan Matthews, Director of Washington State Office of Equity

It's an exciting time for "Profiles in Black Leadership" as Besa Gordon prepares to release a new installment on her show Back2Besa on FOX13 Seattle and nationally on FOX SOUL, this time spotlighting Megan Matthews, Director of the Washington State Office of Equity, this weekend.

Megan Matthews, a native of Tacoma, Washington, leads the Washington State Office of Equity with a clear and collaborative vision. Her personal journey, from a low-income background to a leadership position, has had a profound impact on her dedication to equity. She emphasizes that the office exists to fundamentally change how government operates, ensuring it works for everyone, not just a select few. This involves desegregating agencies and fostering a holistic approach to address systemic issues. The office was established in 2020 through legislation, driven by community advocacy and a task force that recognized the need for fair systems, especially in the wake of events like the murders of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

Megan defines equity as providing everyone with the opportunities, power, and resources they need to live their best lives. She highlights the difference between equity and equality, explaining that people have diverse needs and access points, and a one-size-fits-all approach often fails to address historical inequities like redlining, Jim Crow laws, and discriminatory policies that excluded Black people from opportunities like the New Deal and the GI Bill. Her goal is to acknowledge past injustices and actively work towards repairing those systems to ensure everyone has the chance to build wealth and thrive.

As a leader, Megan is described as humble, a good listener, and a visionary who excels at bringing people together. She stresses the importance of self-care and continuous learning for leaders. Her team, comprising approximately 40 people, is intentionally diverse, reflecting the varied demographics and geographies of Washington state. She believes that representation is crucial for creating accessible systems, and her team includes individuals with diverse characteristics, both visible and invisible, as well as broad geographic representation. The office also relies on a community advisory board and broad community engagement to ensure its work is informed by and has an impact on the people it serves.

Megan's leadership style is characterized by directness and support. She fosters an environment where team members feel important and have access to her, emphasizing that the well-being of her team is paramount to the office's success. She encourages collaboration and believes that collective effort is key to achieving their goals.

The "Washington for All" vision is central to the office's mission, aiming for a future where all systems (healthcare, education, housing, etc.) are aligned and work together to create an ecosystem of opportunity. This means that regardless of location, everyone in Washington state has equal opportunities, resources, and the power to achieve their dreams. Megan firmly believes that hard work should pay off for everyone and that investing in communities leads to better outcomes, as it is a more financially sound approach than paying for the consequences of neglect.

Her personal experiences, such as being assisted by a teacher in navigating college applications and financial aid, reinforce her commitment to creating access for those who may lack it. She uses these real-life examples to challenge academic discussions and ensure that the human impact of policies is always considered.

Megan's passion for her work stems from her love of people and the opportunity to make a positive impact. She thrives on working with brilliant individuals, learning from them, and innovating to create systems that do not currently exist. Her message to young girls, especially those from similar backgrounds, is one of empowerment: "You are incredible, you are brilliant, you are beautiful, you are talented, you are needed, you are a gift." She emphasizes that they already possess everything they need for success and encourages them to be bold, brilliant, and beautiful.

This episode promises to be a deep dive into the impactful work of Megan Matthews and the Washington State Office of Equity, showcasing their dedication to creating a truly equitable Washington for all its residents.

Catch this very special episode this Saturday at 10:30pm on FOX13 Seattle, 10am Sunday on FOX13+, and free nationwide on the FOX Local App for smartphones and TVs.