Regina Malveaux Named New Director of Washington Women's Commission

From the Office of Gov. Jay Inslee:

Gov. Jay Inslee today named Regina Malveaux director of the Washington Women’s Commission. The announcement comes after the departure of Michelle Gonzalez in June. Malveaux was previously appointed to the commission shortly after its formation in 2018.
Malveaux currently serves as CEO of YWCA Spokane, where she facilitates legal, mental health, domestic violence protection and family services for women and families. In that role, she collaborated with the Spokane Mayor’s office to form the Spokane Family Justice Center and worked with the Washington State Legislature to secure funding to support the project.
Malveaux began her career in nonprofit social service and advocacy as a legal advocate for YWCA of San Diego. She then went on to serve as Executive Director of YWCA South Hampton Roads in Virginia. Before that, she founded the Women’s Legal Center and served as a director at the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation in San Diego.
Through her work with the YWCA, Malveaux has established a national reputation as an aggressive advocate on issues related to gender based violence. Working in concert with YWCA USA, she has worked with congressional leaders such as Sen. Patty Murray and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and helped launch the Reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act campaign in 2019.
In addition to her national advocacy, Malveaux has also worked to pass gun violence prevention policies in Washington state, including initiatives for universal background checks and legislation for victim protection, extreme risk protection orders and victim notification.
“Regina has already demonstrated her leadership and commitment to the Women’s Commission and I know her knowledge, expertise and relationships will make her an excellent director,” Inslee said. “She has demonstrated time and again, her deep commitment to issues that impact women, families and those who need help and support. Regina brings a wealth of experience to this role and will help ensure the Commission has an even greater impact for all Washington’s women. I thank Michelle Gonzalez for her great work leading the Commission and I look forward to working with Regina in this role.”
“I am extremely excited to continue the exciting work of the Women’s Commission as I transition from my role as a commissioner to director,” Malveaux said. “The Commission’s mission of improving the lives of every woman in the state of Washington by ensuring equitable opportunities and removing systemic barriers has never been more important. Together with the passionate women who serve on the Commission I look forward to working toward a day when every woman will be healthy, safe, prosperous and empowered to achieve their full potential.”
Malveaux earned her law degree from the Howard University School of Law, and her bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
Her appointment is effective September 1.