Your Ballot is Safe in Washington State with Emily Hitchens, President of AAUW-WA
Monday, November 2, 2026
10:00AM - 11:30AM
Online: Free Online Registration
Emily was interested in the ballot handling process in King County. To learn more, she participated in a training session held at King County Elections with the League of Women Voters. She was impressed with the handling of our ballots, especially by the redundance of security involved. She will be sharing some of that presentation called Election Advocare Training 101.
Hitchens graduated with a BSN and an MN in psychiatric nursing and a post masters in substance Abuse. EdD from Seattle University in Educational Leadership.
Was a community mental health nurse with “Valley Cities Mental Health Center, taught grad and undergrad at UW and SPU. Associate Dean for the School of Health Sciences at SPU. Was an accreditation site visitor/team leader for AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing) with CCNE (Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education). Joined AAUW-Highline Branch in 1984. Served on the state board from 2010-2016 and 2021-2027. Currently active member of the (national) Wellness Ministries Leadership Team with the United Church of Christ.
Also featuring Harmony Grace and Aliyah Mcrae, UW students AAUW Seattle sponsored for the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders (NCCWSL). It’s always exciting to hear about what they have learned.
Harmony Grace Bio:
I’m a creative technologist that is inspired by the world around me. I am majoring in Human-Centered Design and Engineering and minoring in Digital Arts and Experimental Media. Currently, I am improving and developing my engineering problem-solving skills by being a returning software engineer intern during the summers at Microsoft. My goal is to learn the depths of programming and implement that into my creative hobbies. Soon I want to dive into UX design, product design, and product management and use my programming skills to help me be successful in these roles.
Fun fact: I love to pay video games!
Aliyah Mcrae Bio:
Aliyah McRae is a Computer Science student at the University of Washington with interests in software engineering, human-centered technology, and accessibility in tech. She is passionate about creating user-friendly digital experiences while also supporting STEM outreach and mentorship for underrepresented students. After graduation, she hopes to work as a software engineer and create technology that makes a meaningful impact.
Fun fact: Aliyah has ridden the high-speed train featured in the movie Train to Busan.
