In the past year, Tiana Cole and Brad Blackburn III have spoken with Black civic leaders, broadcasters, business owners, educators, nonprofit directors, and other successful professionals about their careers — including how race has factored into their journeys. Their unfiltered conversations are now streaming on Identity Unboxed, a podcast launched in 2023. Cole (BA, Journalism and … Read More
Born and raised in Washington, Kay Hashimoto (BA, journalism, 1952) dreamt of becoming a journalist, setting her sights on UW as the place to realize that dream. After graduating high school in 1946, Kay worked for two years to earn the money she needed for tuition and to help her family get back on their … Read More
Sometimes an idea takes hold and won’t let go. For University of Washington alum Alexa Bednarz, that idea was a carbon-neutral building product that could potentially benefit millions of people worldwide. Turning that idea into a reality has been a journey and a challenge. Bednarz (BA, Communication, 2012) is the founder of Eco-Shelter Inc. The … Read More
Every year, the UW Department of Communication honors outstanding alumni who are making a difference in their careers and communities by inducting them into the Department’s Alumni Hall of Fame. We also recognize the exceptional work of recent graduates through the Outstanding Early Career Award, as well as celebrate the invaluable contributions of those who … Read More
Congratulations to Kimberly Harden (B.A., UW Communication, 2006) for being awarded the 2022 Innovative Response to Social Justice Award, presented by the Commission of Social Justice Educators, and the 2022 Community, Equity, and Social Justice Award, presented by Washington State University. Harden is a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Strategist, Award-Winning Communication Educator, and … Read More
Alexa Bednarz (UW Communication, 2012) spent seven years working in Global Health at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation before founding her own social enterprise, Eco-Shelter Inc. Eco-Shelter is increasing access to affordable and sustainable building materials for low-income consumers in emerging markets. Their pilot product, the Eco-Roof Panel, is made from resin-coated bamboo mats … Read More
Recognizing that many of our Communication students are set to graduate into one of the most precarious job markets in history, the COM Outreach and Advising teams partnered with select alumni to help our students grow their professional networks and polish their job search skills. Our Alumni AMA (“Ask Me Anything”) Zoom sessions were an … Read More
Paul Meyer knew what it was to “Be Boundless.” Meyer, who passed unexpectedly in April 2020, graduated from the University of Washington with an undergraduate degree in Political Science and a master’s degree in Public Administration. An energetic and generous supporter of the University of Washington, his love for the institution is evident in his … Read More
Rhea Panela (B.A., 2017) is a proud first-generation Husky, and a passionate storyteller. Currently, she works as a multimedia journalist for KTVZ NewsChannel 21, the NBC/CNN/FOX/CW affiliate in Bend, Oregon. A former staff writer for The Daily at the UW, Panela has continued to explore her love of storytelling since graduation. Whether producing and anchoring a news segment, giving … Read More
Every year, the UW Department of Communication honors outstanding alumni who are making a difference in their careers, and out in their communities, by inducting them into the Department’s Alumni Hall of Fame. We also recognize the exceptional work of our recent graduates through the Outstanding Early Career Award, as well as celebrate the invaluable … Read More