Lisa Fryett worked for more than 18 years at The Boeing Company, eventually becoming a project manager for in-flight entertainment. She had an associate degree from Shoreline Community College and always wanted to earn a bachelor’s. She pursued that dream, taking courses while working full time.
In 2016, Fryett left the corporate world to complete her Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics and Human Behavior at the University of Washington Bothell.
Fryett (Blackfeet) had served on the board of the Boeing American Indian Society and the company’s diversity council. As a student, “meeting and learning from so many students and faculty from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds” made UW Bothell special, she said.
It also was an opportunity to express Native viewpoints.
“During my time here at UW Bothell, I have steadily given voice for the inclusion of Native and indigenous worldviews on campus as well as in curriculum,” Fryett said. ”I look forward to watching UW Bothell continue to grow as a campus that is becoming more inclusive and supportive for all, particularly Native students.”
Incoming Native students should look for such support from the institution, she said, and, if possible, talk to Native graduates about their experiences.
“Finding elders who had already navigated college was essential to my success. I am very grateful for their support,” said Fryett.
She also enjoys the support of her husband and their 15-year-old son and 11-year-old daughter. Fryett occasionally brought her children to campus to experience the college environment. They loved seeing their mom in the classroom and are proud of her accomplishment as a winter 2018 graduate and Husky 100 recipient.
Fryett is now a project coordinator with the Seattle nonprofit Mother Nation, which advocates for Native women and families.
