Brennon, Director
Brennon Ham (Brennon/they/any) has 12+ years of experience working in LGBTQ+ organizations across Seattle and Washington state. They received a master’s degree from Harvard University, a bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University, and a leadership certificate program at Cornell University. Contact Brennon at brennonh@uw.edu
Val, Deputy Director
Val is an education leader, consultant, and organizational developer. Her career spans 10 years in higher education with the last six years in service as Student Affairs administrator in multicultural resource centers. She offers expertise in strategic visioning, program curricular design, and fundraising to support communities impacted by intersecting systems of oppression. Val hails from South Texas and enjoys exploring the PNW with their wife and two dogs.
Reach Val at qval@uw.edu or schedule a time to meet using calendly.com/qval.
Miami, Assistant Director of Operations
Miami (she/her) Originally from Florida, I’ve spent the past three years living in the PNW, and I’m excited to have started a new chapter in this area and become part of a vibrant community.
Throughout my career, I’ve honed skills in areas such as conflict resolution, effective communication, motivation, diversity advocacy, and building strong, meaningful relationships by truly understanding and addressing the needs of those around me.
I have a deep love for music across all genres, with a particular fondness for R&B and classical. I also enjoy spending time outdoors, exploring nature, and traveling, as it gives me the opportunity to experience and appreciate new places. One of my favorite pastimes is losing myself in a good book.
I’m passionate about helping others, and I believe my energy and enthusiasm are contagious. I aim to encourage students to think critically, make informed decisions, and empower them to grow in ways that benefit themselves and their communities. With a strong understanding of the challenges people face in everyday life, I’m confident in my ability to help students find clarity and direction with passion and insight.
In my work, I’m committed to creating an environment of mutual respect, accountability, and justice. My goal is to make our time together meaningful and productive while setting both realistic and aspirational expectations. At the Q Center, I focus on collaborating closely with students to develop specific, measurable strategies that challenge them to think critically about their obstacles and turn those challenges into opportunities for personal and academic growth.
Joie, Program Manager
Joie Waxler (they/them/theirs) holds a Masters of Social Work and Masters of Public Health with a certification in Maternal and Child Health. With a background in sexual and reproductive health and justice that centers marginalized identities, Joie approaches the world and their work grounded in the idea that all bodies are inherently imbued with immutable worth, and are deserving of love, compassion, and value. Joie is delighted to be part of such a vibrant and multi-talented team working to queer our notions of the world.