“Wish it, dream it, do it.”
Nancy Zellers is an accomplished Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) leader, educator, and workforce development strategist whose career spans more than twenty years across higher education, manufacturing, government service, and human resource development. Her professional journey is defined by a deep commitment to creating equitable systems, empowering underserved communities, and fostering environments where people of all backgrounds can thrive. Throughout her career, Nancy has built a reputation as a forward-thinking, empathetic, and strategic leader whose work reflects both her personal values and her professional mastery.
Growing up in the Greater Seattle Area, Nancy developed an early understanding of community, service, and the importance of opportunity—an understanding that would shape the trajectory of her career. Her academic pursuits led her to earn a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University, followed by a Master of Science in Human Resources from Chapman University. These credentials laid the foundation for her lifelong dedication to education, workforce improvement, and organizational excellence.
Her path in higher education began with teaching roles at respected institutions such as Southern Illinois University, Pierce College, and later Central Washington University. In each position, Nancy became known not only as a gifted educator but also as a champion for DEI within academic environments. She facilitated nuanced discussions about race, identity, intersectionality, and belonging—long before these topics were widely prioritized in institutional settings. Nancy’s commitment to her students was evident in her mentorship, her advocacy, and her ability to create inclusive learning environments where individuals of all backgrounds felt supported and capable of excellence.
As her academic leadership expanded, Nancy also stepped into entrepreneurial work as the Founder, CEO, and HR Consultant of The Human Resource Outsourcing Consultant (THROC), a boutique HR consulting firm originally established to provide interim HR support and address critical training gaps within manufacturing and workforce development. As industry needs evolved, THROC naturally expanded its focus toward comprehensive training and development initiatives for CAMPS programs and the broader manufacturing sector. Through this venture, Nancy collaborated closely with senior military leaders, transitioning service members, and industry professionals to design and deliver forward-looking workforce training programs. Her curriculum development expertise and hands-on leadership in the Military to Manufacturing (M2M) program played a pivotal role in creating sustained employment pathways for hundreds of veterans, military spouses, and transitioning service members.
Nancy’s expertise and passion for service ultimately and an Active-Duty United States Marine, led her to her current role as a Veteran Case Manager for the Employment Security Department and an educator at CWU, Pierce, and SIU. In this capacity, she has served more than one thousand veterans, supporting them through significant barriers such as homelessness, incarceration, disability, and employment discrimination. Her work is grounded in compassion and strategic assessment, ensuring that each client receives tailored guidance, impactful resources, and a clear path toward stability and employment. Nancy’s dedication has earned her recognition for excellence in DEI leadership, community outreach, and policy development.
Her influence extends beyond departmental work through her gubernatorial appointment to the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment (GCDE), where she brings deep equity expertise to statewide policy conversations. In this role, she helps shape inclusive public-facing systems, advocates for disability justice, and collaborates with legislators and leaders to improve accessibility and workforce opportunities for Washington residents. This appointment reflects the trust placed in her judgment, her values, and her ability to lead not only within teams, but across diverse institutions.
Nancy’s career is characterized by her ability to bridge community needs with organizational goals. She forms partnerships with stakeholders across public, private, and nonprofit sectors, recognizing that meaningful progress requires collective responsibility. Her work has improved hiring practices, enhanced DEI policies, advanced inclusive curriculum design, and strengthened pathways for underserved populations. She approaches every project with a blend of strategic insight, emotional intelligence, and unwavering respect for the human experience.
At the core of Nancy’s leadership style is her identity as a servant leader—one who listens deeply, responds thoughtfully, and views challenge as an invitation for innovation. She approaches barriers not as roadblocks but as opportunities to reimagine systems in ways that are fairer and more inclusive. Whether she is guiding a student, mentoring a veteran, advising a policy committee, or developing new training curriculum, Nancy leads with authenticity, purpose, and an extraordinary commitment to elevating others.
Nancy views board service as the natural continuation of her life’s work. With extensive experience in DEI policy development, education, government operations, stakeholder collaboration, and organizational leadership, she is uniquely equipped to support mission-driven organizations that value social impact, strategic growth, and inclusive governance. She brings a global curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and a lifelong dedication to community empowerment—qualities that make her a strong, thoughtful, and compelling board candidate.
Character:
Nancy brings a people first approach to leadership, grounded in honesty, empathy, and genuine humility. She values inclusion and thoughtful dialogue, ensuring every voice is heard and respected. Guided by strong personal principles, she approaches her work with a sincere dedication to service and a lasting commitment to making a positive difference for individuals and communities.
Knowledge:
She applies her extensive academic and professional training to develop inclusive frameworks, effective policies, and forward-thinking educational programs. She is well-versed in DEI methodologies, workforce development strategies, and human resource principles, allowing her to guide organizations with clarity and insight. Her ability to translate complex concepts into actionable solutions strengthens every environment she serves.
Strategic:
Nancy has a proven ability to design innovative programs, anticipate organizational needs, and implement solutions that create long-term impact. She integrates data analysis, stakeholder collaboration, and equity principles to solve complex problems and advance institutional goals. Her strategic mindset allows her to navigate evolving challenges with confidence and foresight.
Communication:
Communicating with empathy, precision, and purpose, adapting her approach to meet the needs of diverse audiences. She is a seasoned educator and facilitator who uses communication as a tool for empowerment, connection, and understanding. Her ability to articulate vision and inspire engagement is central to her leadership effectiveness.
