Clarence Gunn - President
Clarence taught middle, high school and junior college, and worked as a Union Rep (NEA) for 25+ years. He has been a Community and Political Organizer for the last 15+ years.
As a Community Engagement he has helped with the African American Legislative Day. He has actively served in PCO Recruitment and Voter Registration and Get Out The Vote projects in Seattle and South King County. As a board member of Coalition of Immigrants, Refugees, and Communities of Color (CIRCC) he has helped coordinate Community Candidate Forums in Seattle and South King County. He is active in Democratic Party activities at the 41st LD, King County, and state levels.
Clarence stated, “I became a member of DDI when I realized the lack of true diversity and equitable representation inside the Democratic Party. I realized there was a need to increase the number of black and minority PCOs, elected officials, and Party leaders and activists.”
He concluded, “I encourage everyone to consider joining DDI to make a difference for their communities.”
Eric K. Evans - Treasurer
Eric received a degree in Computer Science from Yale University in 1983. He worked at the Microsoft Corp from 1983 to 1990. He was the first African American, software developer hired by Microsoft. Eric left Microsoft because he wanted to go into business for himself. He started and ran multiple companies doing business in the software industry and other areas. This included three companies that did work in Africa.
Eric has been involved in politics since 1992. He has held various positions in the 41st and 48th District Democrats including one term as the Chair of the 41st District Democrats. He is currently the Treasury of Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.
Eric has been married to his wife Quanda since 1989; almost 34 years. We have two sons; Chris (30) and Alex (28).
Azziem Hassan Underwood (Azziem The Dream) – 1st Vice President for Advocacy
1st VP Advocacy
Born in Youngstown Ohio, a family of ten. Azziem moved to Seattle in the early 80’s. He’s hard working, dedicated, and committed to the Democratic principles and as a grassroots organizer getting Democrats elected. He is laser focused on equity and getting qualified Black and Brown people involved and elected to political offices.
Organizations: Azziem enjoys being involved with organizations such as B.I.G. (Blacks in Government), C.L.U.W. (Coalition of Labor Union Woman), CBTU (Coalition of Black Trade Unionist), GLBT+ (Gay Lesbian Bi-Sexual Transgender). Past Board member in the Stonewall Democrats as the Diversity Outreach Director.
Azziem is employed at King County for the past 35+ years working in Information Technology and Customer Service. He was the Shop Steward and Key Member in good standings with Teamsters 117. In 2006 & 2011 Azziem was a National Delegate to the Teamsters Convention representing over 14,000 local Teamsters.
Community: Azziem is the former President of his Condominium Association for over eight terms, prior to that he held other board positions. Azziem enjoys being involved in his community neighbor watch program. He’s dedicated to improving the quality and security of his community. Working with the sheriffs, board members and others in the community he was able to assist in keeping the community safer from drugs and other hurt harm and dangers.
But most of all, Azziem enjoyed being involved in the democratic process and being involved in the Democratic Party. Azziem was the past member of the Washington State Democratic Central committee as the Committeeman representing the 11th Legislative District 10+ years and 8th Congressional District Chair with a seat on the Washington State Democrats Executive board; Azziem was the Chair of the 11th Legislative District Democrats 2011-2012.
Azziem is the past president of the Washington State Democratic African American and past co-chair of the W.S.D.C.C. Affirmative Action Committee. Azziem also held board position in King County Democratic Central Committee K.C.D.C.C. where he chaired the Legislative Action Committee under the leadership of Chairman Ron Forest.
In 2000, Azziem ran for State Senate in the 5th LD (D) against the incumbent Dino Rossi and look forward to running for Office again. One of his proudest moments was in 1998 when he won the Warren G. Magnuson Award for Committeeman of the year and in 2012 as National Delegate to nominate President Obama for President.
Currently: Azziem continues to be involved at the district level as a board member of the 11th LD district as he continues to fight for equity, inclusion and justice for all. Azziem is a board member and 1st VP of Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion as the advocacy chairman, which is responsible for endorsements, legislation agendas, community outreach, and fills in as President when needed.
Yvonne Brandon – 4th VP Media and Communications
Yvonne Brandon is a seasoned marketing executive with 40 years in the tech industry at IBM, Microsoft and in her own company, Brandon Multichannel Marketing Service, LLC. Throughout her career, Yvonne developed a reputation for creating innovative marketing strategies to drive growth and increase brand awareness.
As a retiree, Yvonne is an enthusiastic social justice activist who has dedicated the past six years to advocating for voting rights, equity and inclusion, and justice for all marginalized communities. She is a is also a vocal advocate for tax fairness, healthcare for all, voting rights, and hasworked tirelessly to raise awareness about these issues. As a member of the Steering Committee, she is actively involved in Indivisible, Freedom Writers Collaborative, Swing Left/Vote Forward and is Social Action Chair for the Bellevue Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Mary D. Williams –
3rd Vice President
Membership Chair
Mary Williams is a Substance Use Disorders Professional, a Certified Peer and Recovery Coach. She has extensive experience in community organizing, facilitation, client advocacy, and teaching principles of diversity and inclusion.
Mary has been active in human rights for the marginalized, anti-violence movements, reproductive rights, and gender equality.
She has been a PCO for the 37th legislative district and continues to be active in creating and pushing legislation on anti-trafficking and affirmative action. She believes in being of service and creating changes at the personal, city, state, and national levels.
Mary joined DDI to act through involvement in local politics, to stay well informed on candidates and issues that affect her family and community.
Steve Kasner –
Vice President - Research
Steve Kasner is a retired teacher and lawyer who has been interested in diversity and inclusion his entire adult life. While working at Bellevue College he served on one of the first college diversity committees in the state.
Steve has had many jobs in party politics including district chair and KCDCC representative and many endorsement committee engagements as a member and a chair.
In campaigns at all levels he spent most of his time working on yard sign distribution and monitoring while taking on other roles as needed.
You should become a member of DDI if want to increase the number of elected representatives who value diversity and inclusion as Steve does. Another great reason to join DDI is to meet new folks working on cool projects throughout the state.
Lisa Weber –
DDI Recording Secretary
Lisa is a member of the Samish Nation, a Coast Salish Tribe historical territory, the current Island County of Washington State. She was born and raised in Tacoma/Olympia area, went to Chicago for college and lived in the Southwest for a few years.
Lisa has been living in King County since 1997, where she has been active in local Democrat politics for the past few years.
Lisa currently sits on the Board of DDI as recording Secretary. Lisa is also on the board the National Women’s Political Caucus, Co-President of the National Organization of Women, Seattle Chapter, and Chair of her local Democrat Legislative District.
Giving Speech and Debate workshops for Middle School and High School students at private organizations, working as a coach for the non-profit, Climb the Mountain, Speech and Debate, and using her Project Management skills to build High School Debate teams, Lisa manages to keep busy as a new empty nester.
Robert Stephens –
JR.
Robert Stephens, JR, was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, on July 16, 1946. At the age of 11, in 1957 the family moved to West Seattle, Washington High Point Housing Projects’, where he attended High Point Elementary School.
In January 1959, the family was blessed to secure a home in Seattle’s Central Area; where he attended Horris Mann Elementary School and graduated from Garfield High School in 1965. In March 1966, he was drafted into the US ARMY, for the Viet Naim Era Conflict. Where he served until March 1968. In addition to his duties as a Speclish-4, Battery Medic, Behavior Scientist, he volunteered with the USO, such programs as dances/entertainment, blood drives, etc.
Upon his release from military services, he continued with higher education studies at the University Washington, England, Scotland, and Spain. Earning a Bachelor of Arts in Health Education & Theater Arts, and Educational Communication-Ethnic Studies. Western Washington University. Earning a Master of Education-School Psychology. He holds a K-12 Teacher and Counselor Certificate. He is a lifetime union member of Seattle Educational Association, Washington Education Association, National Education Association, and International Education Association.
Mr. Stephens is a founding member and contriving designer of the African American Academy, Co-Founder Black Awareness Day…Washington State Reformatory, Founder Seattle Center Festival Sundiata, Original cast member Seattle Black Arts/West Theater Company, Neighborhood House Theater Company, Co-Founder Garfield “Bubbling Brown Sugar,” Curator Garfield Super Block. Board Member; Model Cities, Seattle-King County Economic Opportunity Board, Central District Council, Garfield Campus Advisory Council, etc.
Mr. Stephens loves Community Development for his People and fellow Veterans. That is one of the reasons he joined Democrats for Diversity and Inclusion.
He desires to with fellow Democrats to locate and support demarcated Candidates, who will create and pass legislation to enhance the many health, economic social needs of the Black and Veterans’ Community.