YWCA Clark County

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News Release

Carrying Val Joshua’s Legacy Forward: Two Clark County Changemakers Recognized For Advancing Racial Justice (Photo) - 02/26/26

Vancouver, WA  --  In a moment when communities across the nation again face rising division and calls for racial equity, YWCA Clark County will honor two visionary local leaders whose values and impact mirror the courage of civil rights advocate Val Joshua. The organization is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Val Joshua Racial Justice Award: Dr. Karin Edwards and Dr. Megan Dudley.

 

Community members are invited to celebrate the honorees at Shine, YWCA’s annual Gala on March 21, 2026, at ilani Casino Resort, where the awards will be formally presented.

 

“Val Joshua fought for racial justice during one of the most divisive times in our country’s history—and her legacy remains just as vital today,” said Brittini Lasseigne, CEO of YWCA Clark County. “Dr. Edwards and Dr. Dudley remind us that courageous, values-driven leadership can change institutions, transform communities, and bring people together around shared hope and belonging. That’s what this award—and our mission—are all about.”

For more than three decades, the Val Joshua Racial Justice Award has recognized individuals who advance racial equity and build inclusive communities across Southwest Washington. Named for Val Joshua, a longtime YWCA Clark County leader who challenged racism and inequity during an era of open segregation and intolerance, the award honors those who carry her work forward—with empathy, resilience, and action.

 

Honoring Dr. Karin Edwards – Champion for Equity Through Education


Dr. Karin Edwards, President of Clark College, has been selected as a 2026 recipient for her transformative, equity-centered leadership and enduring impact on educational opportunity in Clark County. Under her leadership, Clark College has embedded racial justice into its institutional foundation—closing equity gaps, boosting retention and completion rates for students of color, and expanding access to basic needs through the college’s Basic Needs Hub, which serves hundreds of students each year.

 

Beyond her campus leadership, Dr. Edwards is widely recognized as a bridge-builder and community advocate. She forges partnerships across education, workforce, and housing sectors to broaden opportunity, while leading with steadiness, courage, and a deep commitment to measurable progress toward racial equity.

 

“Dr. Karin Edwards leads with grace, respect, and an unwavering belief that higher education can transform lives,” said Tanisha Harris, one of Dr. Edwards award nominators. “As a strong, intelligent, and determined Black woman leading Clark College, she embodies the inclusive and courageous spirit that Val Joshua championed.” 

 

“Karin’s leadership has been both steady and courageous through times of challenge and change,” said nominator Matt Morton, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. “She has redefined what it means for Clark to be truly ‘the community’s college’—a place where equity, belonging, and opportunity are built into the institution’s foundation.”

 

Dr. Edwards was nominated by Paul Speer, Marilee Scarbrough, Calen Ouellette, Tanisha Harris, Matt Morton, and Jeanne Bennett.

 

Honoring Dr. Megan Dudley – Builder of Belonging in Ridgefield


Dr. Megan Dudley, Founder of the Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative, is recognized with the 2026 Val Joshua Racial Justice Award for her grassroots leadership and talent for building belonging in spaces where equity work can be most challenging—small, predominantly white communities. Through her founding of the Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative, Meaningful Movies Ridgefield, and the Ridgefield Multicultural Festival, Dr. Dudley has created spaces for dialogue, education, and cultural connection that amplify historically excluded voices.

 

Her leadership bridges community organizing, education, and heartfelt relationship-building. She brings together students, educators, leaders, and neighbors to confront racism with honesty, compassion, and action. Known for her humility, persistence, and empathy, Dr. Dudley reflects the essence of Val Joshua’s legacy: justice rooted in love and collective responsibility.

 

“Dr. Megan Dudley is the most dedicated, passionate, hardworking, and empathetic leader that I know. She is tireless in her pursuit of helping others understand the necessity of systemic equity, and she does so with patience and compassion that never ceases to amaze me,” said award nominator, Rebecca Frommlet, French Teacher and Equity Representative, Ridgefield School District.

 

“Megan Dudley’s integrity, strategic thinking, and tireless advocacy have empowered our community to reach its full potential. Her leadership and compassion have unified residents and strengthened Ridgefield’s commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Stephanie Moro‑Baxter, Ridgefield resident and community volunteer.

 

Dr. Dudley was nominated by Ernie Guerrero, Abby Braithwaite, Yasmina Aknin, Rebecca Frommlet, Rheta Rubenstein, Casey Fisher, and Rosann Picchioni.

 

Continuing Val Joshua’s Legacy
YWCA Clark County is proud to uplift the work of Dr. Edwards and Dr. Dudley—two visionary leaders whose lives exemplify YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Their courage and compassion continue the work Val Joshua began—laying the foundation for an equitable future shaped by community, justice, and hope. More info can be found: https://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/val-joshua

 

About  YWCA Clark County:
Founded in 1916, YWCA Clark County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  YWCA Clark County began as a lunch counter serving women in the workforce and has evolved from renting a first apartment to the only emergency shelter system.  Today, the organization offers the SafeChoice Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs, Y’s Care Therapeutic Preschool and Prevention programming in local high school and middles schools. For more information about YWCA Clark County, please visit: www.ywcaclarkcounty.org

 

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Attached Media Files: Edwards.png, dudley.png, Val_Joshua_portrait.jpg,

Carrying Val Joshua’s Legacy Forward: Two Clark County Changemakers Recognized For Advancing Racial Justice (Photo) - 02/26/26

Vancouver, WA  --  In a moment when communities across the nation again face rising division and calls for racial equity, YWCA Clark County will honor two visionary local leaders whose values and impact mirror the courage of civil rights advocate Val Joshua. The organization is proud to announce the 2026 recipients of the Val Joshua Racial Justice Award: Dr. Karin Edwards and Dr. Megan Dudley.

 

Community members are invited to celebrate the honorees at Shine, YWCA’s annual Gala on March 21, 2026, at ilani Casino Resort, where the awards will be formally presented.

 

“Val Joshua fought for racial justice during one of the most divisive times in our country’s history—and her legacy remains just as vital today,” said Brittini Lasseigne, CEO of YWCA Clark County. “Dr. Edwards and Dr. Dudley remind us that courageous, values-driven leadership can change institutions, transform communities, and bring people together around shared hope and belonging. That’s what this award—and our mission—are all about.”

For more than three decades, the Val Joshua Racial Justice Award has recognized individuals who advance racial equity and build inclusive communities across Southwest Washington. Named for Val Joshua, a longtime YWCA Clark County leader who challenged racism and inequity during an era of open segregation and intolerance, the award honors those who carry her work forward—with empathy, resilience, and action.

 

Honoring Dr. Karin Edwards – Champion for Equity Through Education


Dr. Karin Edwards, President of Clark College, has been selected as a 2026 recipient for her transformative, equity-centered leadership and enduring impact on educational opportunity in Clark County. Under her leadership, Clark College has embedded racial justice into its institutional foundation—closing equity gaps, boosting retention and completion rates for students of color, and expanding access to basic needs through the college’s Basic Needs Hub, which serves hundreds of students each year.

 

Beyond her campus leadership, Dr. Edwards is widely recognized as a bridge-builder and community advocate. She forges partnerships across education, workforce, and housing sectors to broaden opportunity, while leading with steadiness, courage, and a deep commitment to measurable progress toward racial equity.

 

“Dr. Karin Edwards leads with grace, respect, and an unwavering belief that higher education can transform lives,” said Tanisha Harris, one of Dr. Edwards award nominators. “As a strong, intelligent, and determined Black woman leading Clark College, she embodies the inclusive and courageous spirit that Val Joshua championed.” 

 

“Karin’s leadership has been both steady and courageous through times of challenge and change,” said nominator Matt Morton, President and CEO of the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. “She has redefined what it means for Clark to be truly ‘the community’s college’—a place where equity, belonging, and opportunity are built into the institution’s foundation.”

 

Dr. Edwards was nominated by Paul Speer, Marilee Scarbrough, Calen Ouellette, Tanisha Harris, Matt Morton, and Jeanne Bennett.

 

Honoring Dr. Megan Dudley – Builder of Belonging in Ridgefield


Dr. Megan Dudley, Founder of the Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative, is recognized with the 2026 Val Joshua Racial Justice Award for her grassroots leadership and talent for building belonging in spaces where equity work can be most challenging—small, predominantly white communities. Through her founding of the Ridgefield Multicultural Initiative, Meaningful Movies Ridgefield, and the Ridgefield Multicultural Festival, Dr. Dudley has created spaces for dialogue, education, and cultural connection that amplify historically excluded voices.

 

Her leadership bridges community organizing, education, and heartfelt relationship-building. She brings together students, educators, leaders, and neighbors to confront racism with honesty, compassion, and action. Known for her humility, persistence, and empathy, Dr. Dudley reflects the essence of Val Joshua’s legacy: justice rooted in love and collective responsibility.

 

“Dr. Megan Dudley is the most dedicated, passionate, hardworking, and empathetic leader that I know. She is tireless in her pursuit of helping others understand the necessity of systemic equity, and she does so with patience and compassion that never ceases to amaze me,” said award nominator, Rebecca Frommlet, French Teacher and Equity Representative, Ridgefield School District.

 

“Megan Dudley’s integrity, strategic thinking, and tireless advocacy have empowered our community to reach its full potential. Her leadership and compassion have unified residents and strengthened Ridgefield’s commitment to equity and inclusion,” said Stephanie Moro‑Baxter, Ridgefield resident and community volunteer.

 

Dr. Dudley was nominated by Ernie Guerrero, Abby Braithwaite, Yasmina Aknin, Rebecca Frommlet, Rheta Rubenstein, Casey Fisher, and Rosann Picchioni.

 

Continuing Val Joshua’s Legacy
YWCA Clark County is proud to uplift the work of Dr. Edwards and Dr. Dudley—two visionary leaders whose lives exemplify YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all. Their courage and compassion continue the work Val Joshua began—laying the foundation for an equitable future shaped by community, justice, and hope. More info can be found: https://www.ywcaclarkcounty.org/val-joshua

 

About  YWCA Clark County:
Founded in 1916, YWCA Clark County is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.  YWCA Clark County began as a lunch counter serving women in the workforce and has evolved from renting a first apartment to the only emergency shelter system.  Today, the organization offers the SafeChoice Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Programs, Y’s Care Therapeutic Preschool and Prevention programming in local high school and middles schools. For more information about YWCA Clark County, please visit: www.ywcaclarkcounty.org

 

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Attached Media Files: Edwards.png, dudley.png, Val_Joshua_portrait.jpg,