We Are DES: Meet Shawn Willis

This is a part of our featured story series “We Are DES.” These stories will introduce you to an individual at DES and the work they do to help fulfill the DES mission — you’ll also learn some fun details about how they spend time outside of work.

Name: Shawn Willis

Division: Workforce Support & Development (WSD)

Job title: DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) Learning and Delivery Design Professional

What year did you start at DES? 2021

What year did you begin working for Washington state? 2021

In two sentences or less, describe what you do at DES. I am one of the facilitators of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion team. The team is responsible for developing and conducting the DEI training for the state’s 67,000 employees.

How do you believe your role supports the DES mission of strengthening the business of government? Our team’s role is an important yet small piece of a very large puzzle for helping to achieve Governor Inslee’s goal of becoming a more anti-racist state.

In what ways do you experience DES values in your everyday work? (respect; integrity; excellence; diversity, equity & inclusion) The whole DES team reflects these character traits daily — whether we are working on projects, holding meetings or collaborating across teams. All opinions are valued and heard without judgment.

What did you do before working at DES? I worked as a senior management analyst for the Department of Homeland Security (Region-7 Texas) and as a loan officer within the Small Business Administration’s Office of Disaster Relief.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I do a lot of charity work as a Freemason and Shriner. I serve with these organizations at the senior leadership level and have been a member for over 25 years.

What is a fun fact about you? I enjoy any books about strategy and leadership.