GETTING TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER
Regional Success Stories Continued how our unique experiences Understanding
contribute to a diverse workforce
EVE AUSTIN, RDN, CD APS DEPUTY REGIONAL ADMINISTRATOR, REGION 3
Eve Austin is the APS deputy regional administrator for Region 3 and is passionate about mental health advocacy and nutrition support for the state’s vulnerable populations. Eve joined our team in October of 2021 after serving as a special projects manager for the Renton school district. Eve’s passion for public service began at a young age when she had the opportunity to work closely with vulnerable adults at her grandparent’s elder care facility in Minnesota. “I learned profound lessons from the great generation and saw exploitation,” Eve said. “Working in mental health for several years, I grew a distaste for the stigma tied to mental health and the overall marginalization of this population to have direct experience with another marginalized group: Indigenous People.” Eve remembers her first experience with APS was through her work with tribal communities. A long-time mentor with the state’s APS program’s tribal program helped Eve understand a complicated history rife with exploitation and marginalization by state governments against indigenous communities and how those relationships are now being mended through advocacy and partnership. Eve is passionate about helping underprivileged, underserved, and marginalized populations. “Having a foundation in mental health administration leadership, all my roles morphed into leadership roles,” said Eve. “I’m a problem solver and a person that deeply cares for people and our society. I hold respect, kindness, and personal accountability as core values.” Working for APS has been a valuable and rewarding experience for Eve. She says that she feels a strong connection with the work and the people who dedicate their lives to the most vulnerable members of our society. Eve says that APS is an excellent organization to work for because “the people carry the strongest “why” I’ve seen in my professional career and a unified vision for what they want their communities to be. Overall, it’s a safer place for vulnerable adults. I can ask every one of my employees, and I believe each could articulate their “why.” It’s humbling and an honor to work in Region 3.” When Eve’s not working at APS, she likes to listen to podcasts, reading, writing, creating memories with her family, BBQs with friends and family, kayaking, and barre class with her best friend. She is inspired by her faith, family, and the world’s innovators, both past and present. 16
