Yen Huynh Named Equity Diversity Inclusion & Respect Director

November 2, 2022

Chris Wright (email) Communications Office

Department of Corrections Secretary Cheryl Strange has appointed Yen Huynh as director of the agency’ Office of Equity Diversity Inclusion & Respect (EDIR).

“DOC has made significant progress in promoting a more diverse and inclusive environment in recent years, but there is still much work to be done,” said Secretary Strange. “I am confident that with Yen’s leadership and guidance, we will continue to make strides to address systemic inequities in our system.”

Since March 2021, Huynh has served as DOC’s Equity & Social Justice Consultant. In that role, she has led the Department’s statewide Diversity Advisory Councils and participates on the Pro-Equity Anti-Racism team. She also represents DOC on the Statewide Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council; and provides expertise to all DOC staff on issues of equity, diversity, inclusion and respect (EDIR).

“Transitioning to the Director will allow me to do this critical EDIR work on a broader scale with greater impact,” said Huynh. “I look forward to building, leading and empowering a team of people to champion this work.” Prior to joining DOC, Huynh worked as a Supplier Diversity Program Specialist for the Office of Minority & Women’s Business Enterprises. In that role, she focused on addressing disparities in public spending and provide opportunities for diverse small businesses. She began her career working with formerly incarcerated youth as an Education Advocate guiding them towards earning their GED and finding employment.

“This work is not just for marginalized people,” said Huynh. “This work really is for everyone. To really, truly be successful as an agency, everyone needs to have a hand in it.”

Yen is a Certified Diversity Executive and has a master’s degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in Public Policy from The Evergreen State College.