A child of former farmworkers in central Washington who went on to become a lawyer and advocate for marginalized communities is one of the newest members of Washington State University’s governing body. 

Gov. Bob Ferguson recently appointed Fé LopezGaetke and Mary Nam to the WSU Board of Regents, according to a release. They fill seats recently vacated by Lura Powell and Enrique Cerna. 

LopezGaetke started her bachelor’s degree at WSU’s main campus but finished her degree at the Tri-Cities campus. She earned her law degree at Seattle University School of Law. 

LopezGaetke is currently co-executive director at Purpose. Dignity. Action., formerly known as Public Defender Association. Her prior roles include director of diversity, equity and inclusion at the Law School Admission Council and the first director of Seattle’s Community Police Commission. She is also past president of the Latina/o Bar Association of Washington and OneAmerica. 

“Growing up in Central Washington, I know that so many in my community look to WSU as an accessible and important opportunity to further their education,” LopezGaetke said in a statement. “Additionally, my professional development path has afforded me the unique lens of surveying local and national educational trends and impact to underrepresented communities that can help inform Washington State University’s strategic direction. I look forward to working together to continue moving WSU into innovative sustained growth that is accessible to all who attend.” 

An appointment to fill a vacancy on the board after the death of state Rep. Sam Hunt, R-Olympia, who grew up in Pasco, is expected in the coming months.