Meet the Alcohol Awareness Program Manager
The Washington State Liquor Control Board (WSLCB) welcomed Mary Segawa as the agency’s Alcohol Awareness Program Manager in January 2010. Segawa came to the agency after working in the prevention field and with students throughout her career.

Segawa was most recently the executive director of TOGETHER!, a non-profit agency in Thurston County focused on preventing youth substance abuse and violence. Before TOGETHER!, she worked for several universities in student services, including the University of Washington.

Segawa's Goals
At TOGETHER!, Mary worked with community and state partners to strive for change in Thurston County. Now she is taking what she has learned to the state level.

“I was drawn to the opportunity to work for statewide change that could effectively reduce underage drinking and address other alcohol-related problems,” Segawa said. “We can carry out broader changes on the state level that will in turn make the work of the communities more effective."

Segawa has several goals for her program:

1. She wants parents and caregivers to understand the vital role they play in influencing whether or not their children drink and to take action to prevent it. Talking to their kids and being positive role models are critical.
2. She wants to assess current legislation, policies, and rules and recommend changes that will have an impact on reducing underage drinking.
3. She wants to see communities, including businesses, play a larger role in providing a positive environment that supports children and youth and discourages underage drinking.
4. She plans to work to achieve better coordination among state agencies and local communities in alcohol awareness and education efforts.

Background
Segawa has a B.S. in psychology from Kansas State University and an M.S. in counseling from Missouri State University. She and her husband have two children.

In February 2010, she was recognized at the TOGETHER! Champions for Kids celebration as the City of Lacey’s Champion for Kids honoree.