Our Mission
We teach and coach leaders to examine, analyze, and disrupt (organizational) (institutional) biased and inequitable power so that leaders can (ensure)(grow)(build) racial, gender, and economic equity, diversity, and inclusion (justice) in every aspect of their work. We want leaders to think about themselves in complex, nuanced ways wherein they understand that they have the power to leverage their privilege, authority on behalf of equity, liberation, and inclusion. We want leaders to be intentional, thoughtful, and pay attention to the micro moments that build to macro outcomes. Excellence is just fundamentals on repeat. Micro ~ mezzo ~ macro ~ every. moment. matters.
Jen created an inviting and nonjudgmental space to help people figure out and become who they were at a time when that didn’t exist. They changed my life and the lives of countless others! Jen helped lay the groundwork for our current paradigm shift ~ doing difficult and brave work at a very different time for the queer community.
Bri Stone
Pediatric Critical Care Fellow at Comer Children's Hospital, Chicago, IL
Jen has been an amazing mentor to me since 2006. They care about, advocate for, encourage, and empower me, which is invaluable. They have supported projects I envisioned, helped me navigate grad school applications, and just, believed in me. Jen is a rare and special person who makes sacrifices and tirelessly advocates for others to be heard, recognized, and compensated - among many other things. When you hear that who you are is enough, valuable, and unique, it builds the confidence necessary to navigate complex issues such as identity and justice.
Jaimée Marsh
Executive Director, Seattle FEEST
Jen is an exceptional leader, listener, and radical educator. They have been such an important mentor to me and so many other (historically and contemporarily marginalized and minoritized) students over the years.
Karen Maniraho
Columbia University Journalism Graduate Student & Independent Filmmaker
Jen built the most radical and student-centered office on a college-campus to which I have ever been exposed. As an academic on the job market, I spoke about the influence the Q Center had on my development as a scholar and in my belief that college campuses can and do offer incredibly important space for the most marginalized.
Jean Hardy Bohaczek
Assistant Professor, Michigan State University
Jen co-created such an amazing and beautiful space. The Q Center was the very few places on campus I felt fully myself and one of the few places where I actually got to see and meet QTBIPOC and realized I come from a long pre/decolonial history of queer and gender nonconforming folks. Such deep gratitude for Jen and their tender, humble, and honest leadership and for their deep commitment to QTBIPOC - With Jen, I felt seen, heard, cared for, and emotionally and ideologically safe.
Yecelica Jaime Valdivia
I would not have become who I am without Jen's unwavering support and their nearly two decades of work at the University of Washington. I know so many others feel the same.
Kyle S. Rapiñan
Attorney, New York City Commission on Human Rights
Dr. Self is an incredible, dedicated educator, advocate, community builder, leader, and all-around incredible individual. They teach and lead with vulnerability and authenticity and are able to easily connect with others, create a strong community, and make people feel respected and valued. An impassioned leader in the queer community, they focus their efforts on turning the social order inside out and upside down, centering on those who have been historically and contemporarily minimized and marginalized. Because of this valuable perspective, I continue to look to Dr. Self for advice and guidance around social and racial justice issues that impact the marginalized communities with whom I work (people who use substances) and have invited them to provide training to my staff and students.
Seema Clifasefi, MSW Ph.D.
Associate Professor, UW Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences & Co-Director of Harm Reduction Research & Treatment Center
Jen is a passionate advocate for social change and advocating on behalf of others. A consummate professional and a catalyst for change, I had the opportunity to work with Jen on several high impact projects that supported that strategic vision for Student Life. They were a thought partner that I would say is in the top 1% of all colleagues I have ever encountered. Jen is brilliant, forward-thinking, and applies an equity lens to whatever work they engage. I have learned so much from Jen and I have the highest respect for them. Their fierceness and fearlessness are contagious and creates space for others to risk and be their full selves.
Marisa Herrera, Ed.D.
Principal, Herrera Consulting & Former VP of Student Equity, & Success, Shoreline Community College
Jen is the best, I thought so, right away! As a former Husky football player and gay man, I wanted to invest in a space that did not exist when I was in school, and Jen was creating that space. Jen was exactly the person to create the Q Center; their energy always flowing and caring for students who sometimes felt like they had no one.
David Kopay
Los Angeles, Former NFL Fullback, Member of the 1964 UW Rosebowl Team, 1st "Out" Professional Athlete
