The Council for Latino Workplace Equity (CLWE), a program of the National Diversity Council, announced the recipients of this year’s National Latino Leadership Award to be recognized during the 7^th National Latino Leadership Council in Miami, Florida on September 20-21. Washington State LGBTQ Commission Executive Director, J. Manny Santiago, is one of 20 recipients from throughout the United States to be recognized this year. CLWE indicates that the award recognizes individuals who “contribute to creating and promoting a culture where Latino talent is supported and leveraged for organizational success” and “demonstrate leadership excellence and high visibility in the Latino community and maintain a record of professional accomplishments.” Candidates for the award are selected from hundreds of nominations by community members and organizations from throughout the United States.

“I am both humbled and honored to be recognized with this award”, says Director Santiago. “As a queer, Latino Washingtonian with Puerto Rican roots, I am well aware of the importance of representing the many intersections of my identity. Like the many other LGBTQ Latino/a/x folk, and other LGBTQ and Two Spirit Washingtonians of color, I recognize the importance of representation and empowerment. I am committed to continue working with my communities to empower emerging leaders, strengthen our rights, and to make visible communities that have historically been made invisible.”

To read the full press release of the awards and read more about the full list of awardees, please visit this link. You can also register for the conference – offered both in person and virtually – through this link.   

Join the US Department of Health & Human Services and Pride Foundation for a virtual convening on LGBTQ+ health, hosted by the Pride Foundation and facilitated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Region 10.

You’ll be joined by other LGBTQ+ leaders, organizations, and service providers from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington; HHS regional and national leadership, and Pride Foundation staff. Together, we will listen, share, and learn more about how HHS funding, policies and initiatives impact the LGBTQ+ community.

Pride Foundation is proud to play a convening role in this gathering to help connect LGBTQ+ organizations with the services and offerings of HHS.

Our goals for this convening are to:

• Create a 2-way channel of communication between local organizations and HHS
• Share information with you and build the collective knowledge base about HHS funding, policies, and initiatives that impact LGBTQ+ communities
• Hear questions, concerns, priorities, and recommendations about how HHS can better support LGBTQ+ people and communities
• Build and strengthen relationships between HHS and organizations, and between stakeholders across the region

What we’ll talk about: Monkeypox (MPV), mental health and wellness, LGBTQ+ youth and older adult health, access to care, gender affirming care, and more.

Registration is required. Please visit this link to register.

Starting in 2023, the Working Families Tax Credit is a new tax refund that helps Washington workers and their families get more money back at tax time. The refund returns a portion of sales tax paid each year and is modeled after the federal Earned Income Tax Credit program.

The purpose of the Working Families Tax Credit is to stimulate the local economy, promote racial equity, and support the financial stability and well-being of low-to-moderate income Washington residents and their families.

This credit program is managed by the Washington State Department of Revenue (DOR), the state’s tax administration agency.

Find out more information about this program by visiting the Working Families Tax Credit page through this link.

Washington is home to vibrant communities and diverse Washingtonians who all have unique talents, skills and experiences. Governor Inslee places a high priority on boards, commissions, and agencies that are reflective of the diverse make-up of Washington and that utilize the impressive talent of Washingtonians. We are always seeking skilled and experienced individuals from a wide variety of backgrounds to participate in boards and commissions ensuring an effective and representative government.

We are excited to share the highlighted Current and Upcoming Gubernatorial Appointment Opportunities.

As someone with deep roots in your respective communities and organizations, we hope that you will share these opportunities.  Anyone interested in being appointed will need to fill out this Application.  Please explore the Boards and Commissions Profiles if you are interested in learning more about the many opportunities to get involved!

Thank you for your assistance in helping Governor Inslee find well-rounded candidates with significant talent and diverse experiences. Please feel free to reach out to Boards and Commissions staff with any questions you might have.  Thank you for your time.