As an organization providing pediatric therapy and support to children of diverse backgrounds in south King and Pierce counties, CTC is committed to continuously reflecting, evolving and, and growing to meet the needs of families as well as those of our staff members.
As part of our ongoing work to become an inclusive and welcoming organization for all, CTC hired our first full-time Director of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), Cecilia Martinez-Vasquez, in May of 2022.
Building upon years of DEI work set in motion by CTC’s Equity Team and current DEI Project Manager Kathie Nguyen, Cecilia is leading our efforts and strategy toward becoming an anti-racist organization where everyone in our community is valued and supported.
Cecilia has extensive experience leading DEI work, most recently for the City of Redmond, WA where she implemented the DEI Community-Based Initiative within the city, and previously as an equity consultant for many years in Seattle.
“My path to the work of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion started upon my arrival to the United States as a political asylee. Navigating a new culture, customs, language, and different way of life was very challenging. I experienced discrimination, hostility, and isolation, but I didn’t always understand why.
My college courses helped me understand my experiences. After graduating, I worked with and learned from various people whose life experiences were different than mine. They taught me about the power of compassion, love, resiliency, and understanding. I also learned that I wanted to dedicate myself to the work of changing organizations’ practices and influence how they treat, include, and support the communities they want to serve. My goal is for CTC is to become a DEI leader in our industry. I hope that my role will highlight different ways to work with and alongside our families, employees, and larger community so that our organization grows stronger and more resilient, for the benefit of the children and families we serve.”
-Cecilia Martinez-Vasquez