Dionne Foster For Seattle City Council #9

Dionne has spent the last 15 years working towards improved access and outcomes for all people, but especially the most vulnerable. Her dedication to working hard for what is right was cemented at an early age through experiencing economic challenges and seeking out opportunity. Dionne was raised by a single mother who served in the Army and later worked as a teacher, but despite her family’s hard work they struggled to make ends meet. To help support her family, she worked two jobs in high school starting off as a fast-food worker and hostess. In those jobs she worked with people who were supporting their families on just above minimum wage, shaping her perspective on economic justice and strong labor standards.

Dionne put herself through college with grants, loans and working part-time jobs. She was honored to earn the Spirit of King Award as an undergraduate for her commitment to civil rights and justice and the Dennis-Weathers award for dedication to increasing cross-cultural awareness. While working as a waitress after graduation, Dionne welcomed her son and was able to do so with the support of affordable healthcare through Apple Health. She then went on to earn her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington, where she returned to train students as an adjunct faculty member. Later, the Seattle Downpayment Assistance Program made homeownership possible for Dionne and her family, providing the foundation for housing stability and generational wealth.

Because of the opportunities she was given, Dionne has been able to commit her career to the service of improving people’s lives through work in nonprofits, government and philanthropy.

She lives in South Seattle with her son and their COVID rescue dog. She’s a lifetime WNBA fan (Go Storm!) and loves to be outside, rain, snow or shine. Dionne is a proud gardener and donates some of her yield every year to our local food banks.