Ray Soriano (he/him) is humbled and excited to bring his diverse leadership experience, collaborative vision, and unique talents to the Office of Racial Equity and Social Justice. Drawing from over 30 years of service to children, youth, families and professionals across Washington state, he has long been committed to anti-racism, inclusive and restorative practices, gender justice, systemic change, and creating spaces for healing and belonging. He has served at Children’s Administration and DCYF for nearly 10 years, as an Indian Child Welfare CPS Worker, Licensing CPS Worker, Foster Care Licensor, and Innovation and Capacity Specialist in the Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP). He is a co-facilitator for DCYF’s Racial Affinity groups. He also brings experience working within Tribal communities as a social worker and educator, direct service in therapeutic residential programs for youth in care, conflict resolution, peacemaking circle facilitation, and leadership in multiple community-based programs serving young children. Ray teaches courses in Child Abuse & Neglect and Equity in Education at a local state college. He is also a teaching musician, specializing in drumming and music facilitation in programs serving youth with disabilities. Ray believes that cultivating joy is essential within the complex and often heavy work of advancing racial equity and social justice. He attained his MSW from Eastern Washington University in 2017 as a participant in the Child Welfare Training and Advancement Program (CWTAP).
Ray is a first-generation Filipino immigrant who grew up in a multilingual, low-income home in the greater Seattle area. He is very connected to his roots and his family, and his lived experience informs his work every day. Ray currently lives, works, and plays on occupied Tulalip and other Coast Salish lands, in Everett, WA. Ray has an amazing young adult son who is a constant source of pride and joy.