New Leadership for the Dialogue Initiative Team
The UW Dialogue Initiative is proud to announce new leadership to guide our mission of preparing students with the skills and mindsets necessary for meaningful dialogue across difference. Josh Griffin has been appointed Associate Director, and Dr. Fran Lo has been named Project Lead.
Josh Griffin has been part of the UW community since 2021, previously serving as Assistant Director of the Center for Communication, Difference, and Equity (CCDE). In that role, he managed the Center’s operations and spearheaded the Interrupting Privilege museum exhibition, showcased at the Northwest African American Museum, UW Bothell and Seattle campuses, and the Seattle Foundation. A Returned Peace Corps Volunteer with service in Morocco, Josh holds a B.A. from UW, a Master of Development Practice from Emory University, and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at NYU Stern.
Josh is inspired by the Dialogue Initiative’s mission and eager to bring his passion for equity-driven work to UW’s campuses and communities. “Having witnessed the power of dialogue to foster empathy, bridge divides, and create lasting change, I look forward to working with students, faculty, and partners to strengthen and expand this important work,” he said. You can reach Josh via email at jeg425@uw.edu.
Josh will be working across UW’s campuses:
UW Bothell (Orientation & Transition Programs, Summit Hall 111): Every Wednesday during even weeks of the quarter
UW Seattle (CELE Center, Mary Gates Hall 171): Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays
Dr. Fran Lo, Project LeadDr. Fran Lo serves as the Executive Director of UW’s Community Engagement and Leadership Education (CELE) Center and now takes on the additional role of Project Lead for the Dialogue Initiative. With over 25 years of experience developing community-engaged learning and leadership programs for youth and college students, her career includes leadership positions at the Husky Leadership Initiative, UW Riverways Education Partnerships, Brown University, and the YMCA Seattle Earth Service Corps. Fran holds an a B.S from Brown University, a M.A. in Marine Affairs, and a Ed.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the UW.
Reflecting on her interest in the Initiative, Fran said, “I believe that cultivating authentic relationships, engaging in productive dialogue, and bridging differences are essential leadership competencies for students to contribute to thriving communities. I am excited to support the Dialogue Initiative in its mission to build the UW’s capacity to create an environment where respectful, compassionate and rigorous public discourse can flourish.” You can reach Fran via email at franlo@uw.edu.
The Dialogue Initiative also extends deep gratitude to Megan Kennedy and Zachary Peeples for their leadership in guiding the Initiative during its first year. Together, Josh and Fran bring a wealth of experience and vision to the UW Dialogue Initiative, reinforcing its commitment to fostering empathy, bridging divides, and creating lasting change through dialogue.