Last updated: October 8, 2026
Jessica Cole
Director for WorkLife
It’s my absolute pleasure to serve the UW community as your Director for WorkLife. As a single mother of three, I deeply know the importance of WorkLife support systems at the University of Washington.
I completed both my undergraduate (BS in Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences: Society, Ethics, & Human Behavior ‘16) and my Master of Arts in Policy (‘19) at UW Bothell, where my experience as a parenting student led to my advocating for improved support programs and belonging for parenting students on campus. This work nurtured my passion for developing accessible programs and earned me a spot on the 2016 Husky 100 list.
Outside of work, I enjoy giving back to organizations that have helped my little family thrive, painting, indulging in my growing interest in house plants, and listening to audio books.
Kimberly Mishra
HR Chief of Staff
You know how the last bullet of most job descriptions reads something like, “other duties as assigned?” Well, it is that bullet that has shaped my career path and has allowed me to turn my love of shiny, new things into a workplace strength.
In my current role, I have the pleasure of overseeing some of programs that make UW a truly great place to work, including UW WorkLife, The Whole U and the UW Combined Fund Drive.
I have only accomplished my twenty plus year career at UW because my supervisors throughout the years have supported me as a whole human—whether it was returning to the classroom, overly parenting my first puppy, needing flex scheduling to be there when it was important for my kiddo when he was little and again now as I become part of the sandwich generation taking care of parents who are growing older while wrangling a teenager.
I am a caregiver at heart and know how complicated it can be to figure stuff out when you stressed about someone who means the world to you. Exploring WorkLife resources for what you need today and what you might need in the future will help build your toolkit. When I am not taking care of others, I am all about the self care which I find through the outdoors—whether it is running with the dog, walking with friends or torturing the teenage son by making him hike with me.
Lauren Updyke, MS ACSM HFI
Executive Director for Employee Experience,
UWHR Chief Wellness Officer
Hi everyone, I’m Lauren and my role is to lead our Employee Experience team encompassing The Whole U, UW Combined Fund Drive and WorkLife programs.
I have spent over 20 years of my career in Health and Wellness. I have a Masters in Exercise Physiology, am a Certified Personal trainer through the American College of Sports Medicine and have coached over 10,000 individuals online from all over the world. I worked with the wellness program at Duke University and Hospital for 13 years as a fitness and health education manager. I love being a Husky after 10+ years!
Anna Tegelberg
Marketing and Events Director
Hi, I’m Anna! I serve as Marketing & Events Director for Employee Experience, where I help connect UW employees with programs, resources and opportunities that support their lives both at work and beyond. I believe that when employees have access to the right support for their lives outside of work, they’re better able to thrive personally and professionally.
As I become a mom this year, I’m gaining a whole new appreciation for just how important these resources are, especially as we navigate different stages of life. I’m passionate about making sure employees know what’s available to them, feel supported through life’s transitions and can take full advantage of the benefits of being part of the UW community.
Sebastian Ky
Event and Content Producer
Hello! My name is Sebastian and I’m Employee Experience’s Event & Content Producer. I joined the University of Washington in 2023 and love being part of such a creative and collaborative community. I’m driven by the opportunity to connect with others and help share meaningful stories through photos, videos, and events that highlight the incredible people who make UW what it is.
Originally from the Twin Cities, Minnesota, I now call Seattle home. When I’m not behind a camera or planning an event, you can probably find me on the mountain learning new snowboarding tricks or testing out a new recipe in the kitchen.