Irwin Batara

In America, we are culturally conditioned to believe, that White is superior, Black is inferior, and the manifestation of that cultural conditioning is that Black people are undervalued, underestimated and marginalized. It's not a racist statement. It's a fact of life. 
– Joe Madison

Irwin Batara, MPA, has been working at YWCA as the Chief Human Resources Officer since 2008. Previously, Irwin worked in the healthcare industry for more than 12 years at International Community Health Services and Seattle Indian Health Board as Director of Human Resources and Compliance Officer. He received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and his Masters in Public Administration from Seattle University. Irwin has been involved in equity and anti-racism community work for many years and has volunteered his time with the University of Washington, Seattle University, and the local Filipino community. Additionally, he has served as a panelist and trainer for “Expect More, Become More”, the Non-Profit Anti-Racism Coalition, and the City of Seattle Human Service Division’s RSJ change team. Personally, he has a second-degree black belt in Shito-ryu/Itosu-ryu. Irwin also enjoys teaching and learning Silat and Filipino Martial Arts in his spare time.