Dedra Michelle Strickland
Dedra Michelle Strickland is a multidisciplinary professional with extensive experience in human resources, education, policy research, and business strategy. Currently serving as a Policy & Research Associate, she specializes in conducting qualitative and quantitative research on economic, fiscal, and social policy. Her work includes analyzing state budgets, tax systems, public data, and community trends to produce insights that inform policy decisions, legislative priorities, and advocacy efforts. Over the years, Dedra has developed a strong expertise in translating complex data into accessible reports, briefs, and visualizations for diverse audiences, ranging from policymakers to community leaders.
In addition to her policy research work, Dedra has made significant contributions to education and workforce development. She has taught and guided hundreds of adult learners in core subjects, digital literacy, and workforce preparation, creating individualized learning plans to support career readiness and educational attainment. Her career includes leadership roles at Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington, Seattle Central College, Antioch University, and Tacoma Community College, where she focused on equity-driven educational programming and supporting marginalized communities in achieving their professional and personal goals.
Dedra is also deeply committed to preserving history and advancing cultural awareness. As a consultant with America's Black Holocaust Museum, she conducts genealogical and archival research, documenting African-Native American lineages and contributing to public education initiatives. She is pursuing a PhD in History at Liberty University and holds a Master’s in Education from the University of the People. A dedicated advocate for racial and economic equity, Dedra combines her research, teaching, and historical expertise to create meaningful impact in communities, while mentoring others and fostering inclusive opportunities for learning, growth, and cultural preservation.
• TESOL Certification
• Myers-Briggs Certification Level 1
• University of the People - M.Ed.
• Emerging Author
• Recipient, 2024 4Culture Individual Recovery Fund Grant
• Recipient, 2025 4Culture Heritage Project Grant
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to perseverance, faith, and a determination to see things through, even when the journey is challenging. Raising three children while earning my degree through night classes and working full-time taught me the value of resilience and the importance of moving forward, even when others expected me to pause. Today, I balance my life between academia, community service, and historical research. I am pursuing my PhD in history, work with America’s Black Holocaust Museum, serve students in educational roles, and am developing multiple historical manuscripts while preparing for international dissertation research.
My career began over three decades ago in education, where I supported immigrant and marginalized students as an instructor, community liaison, and advisor. I am passionate about empowering people through knowledge, particularly those who feel overlooked or underserved. Highlights of my work include receiving two For Culture grants totaling $20,000 for historical projects and being invited to complete dissertation research at Kabali University in Uganda, a connection that resonates deeply with my personal ancestry. Professionally, I am proud of the many immigrant students I have helped graduate, from countries such as Russia, Afghanistan, and across Africa.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received comes from the profound lessons I’ve learned from Maya Angelou and my late grandmother, Precious. Maya Angelou has been a tremendous inspiration, teaching me the power of voice and storytelling, while my grandmother instilled in me strength, dignity, and a clear sense of purpose. Their guidance continues to shape my decisions and growth, both academically and personally, reminding me to lead with integrity and passion in everything I do.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this field is to pursue your goals fearlessly, even when society suggests you should slow down or take a different path. Keep your dreams alive, seek out mentors, and remain committed to lifelong learning. Having raised three children while earning my degree, I know firsthand that with determination, resilience, and belief in yourself, you can achieve anything you set out to do.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field is balancing education, research, and financial constraints while pursuing a PhD. Securing time, resources, and recognition for public-history work—particularly projects that highlight the stories of marginalized communities—can also be difficult. At the same time, I see tremendous opportunities in international collaboration, grant-funded historical research, and using history to support and inspire young people who have dropped out of school.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are truth, legacy, education, and honoring one’s ancestors. I am committed to lifting others, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities for those who may not have had them growing up. Preserving culture and documenting stories that have been erased or forgotten is central to my mission.
Outside of work, I am passionate about genealogy, historical research, and exploring my ancestral roots. I enjoy traveling, spending time with my two grandchildren, and writing—currently developing my upcoming books, Hidden Washington State: Black History from A to Z and a biography project on Emmanuel Lopez. I hope to continue connecting with history in meaningful ways, including future travels to Ethiopia and Peru.
Locations
America's Black Holocaust Museum
Seattle, WA 98125