Check out this WIN BRG-produced video that raises awareness about Washington State as an employer of choice for immigrant communities, showcases the diversity of the state workforce, and promotes the State as a welcoming environment where immigrants can feel valued and appreciated.
Message from WIN's Co-Chairs - Roy Salonga and Rokaih Vansot
Warmest welcome! We are honored and thrilled to serve as your current Washington Immigrant Network (WIN) Co-Chairs. Last year, we had the opportunity to serve as your WIN Co-Vice Chairs.
WIN is a place where our immigrant communities can join together and build a network and relationship where they have a place that matters to them, reflecting on identity, belonging, and the complexity of being an immigrant in America. In addition, our members bring joy, empathy, and courage that is so much needed to make this country our own. I am excited about the opportunities we have to collaborate, share insights, and drive forward our collective goals. We have enthusiastic new team members with a creative mindset. This is a testament to your commitment and passion for WIN. We will continue to be a resource to our members and our communities.
Over the next year, we will engage in meaningful discussions, explore innovative ideas, and work together to create impactful solutions. I encourage each of you to actively participate, share your unique perspectives, and make the most of this experience.
Thank you for being here and for your dedication to making the WIN Business Resource Group a success. Together, let us be innovative and take WIN to new heights!
Warm regards,
We would like to take a moment to thank you for attending the WIN Annual Immigrant Heritage event that was held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at the L&I Auditorium. We hope you gained lots of valuable insight into the many different immigrant lived experiences and journeys as well as enjoyed watching the incredible performers and felt the positive impact from our speakers. (See Immigrant Heritage Celebration photos)
We want to take a moment to give a special thank you to:
WIN Annual Event Planning team: Nadine Nabass, Lani Fowlkes, Philip Muirhead, Ayaka Call, Sally Elliott, Raquel Rice, Gwen Willis, Amel Alsalman, Kuen Kuen Spichiger, Indira Melgarejo, and Christina Pourarien
ASL Interpreter & CART Services: Karma Arslanian and Tracy Ukura
Guest Speakers and Performers:
Lorraine Lee, former Executive Sponsor of WIN & former Chief Administrative Law Judge
U.S. Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland
Linda Lohdefinck, Disability Inclusion Network
John Pestinger, Veteran Employee Resource Group
Nicholas Vann, Executive Sponsor of HAPPEN
Lua Pritchard, APIC Chairperson, APCC Executive Director
G. Helen Whitener, Associate Justice of the Washington Supreme Court
Cami Feek, WIN Executive Sponsor & ESD Commissioner
Asia Pacific Cultural Center
Deepti Agrawal, Deepti Designs, Indian Classical Visual Art
Daniela Mahoney, Ukrainian Egg Painting Artist
Caña Dulce, Costa Rican folk dance group
State Agencies:
Department of Labor and Industries
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission
Washington State Employees Credit Union (WSECU)
We also encourage you to check out to learn more about our BRG. WIN BRG collects stories from our members to highlight in our newsletters, social media, website, and during general membership meetings.
If you are curious or feel you could benefit from our group, are an immigrant or ally, have a parent who is an immigrant, or want to learn more about our community, we encourage you to join us! Our group embraces you with open arms and hearts. We also encourage you to sign up to receive our monthly newsletter (link attached). You are also welcome to sharing your immigrant story(link attached) or submit a three-minute video for us to post on WIN’s website.
In closing, we want to thank each of you. Thank you for being a wonderful collaborator, supporter, and friend. We are so proud to be members of the WIN BRG and honored to have been trusted by you to lead WIN’s mission and purpose in expanding opportunities for immigrants who are current and future employees within state government as well as serving as a resource for all immigrants who are state employees to connect and celebrate our diverse lived stories and our given names.
Together we can shape a better work environment driven by courage, dignity, and kindness if we are vulnerable and lean into building it with each other to create a culture where we all belong.
Thank you for being a part of our WIN BRG community!
Please feel free to reach us at win@ofm.wa.gov if you have any questions or if there are any events that you like us to share.
Meet WIN's New Leaders!
Amel Aouam Alsalman, Co-Vice Chair
Amel Aouam Alsalman emigrated from Tunisia (North Africa) in 2016 and joined the Washington State Patrol as a procurement specialist in 2017. She currently works as a Procurement Program Manager with the Department of Health and Social Services. Amel has worked for almost 19 years in the private sector, leading and managing local and international projects.
Amel obtained her bachelor's degree in economics and her master's degree in macroeconomics at the University of Economics and Management of Tunis. Amel also holds a master's degree in business administration from the Mediterranean School of Business (MSB) in Tunis.
Amel has been a member of the Rotary Club since 2011 and is currently the Treasurer of her club, Olympia Capital Centennial, which is dedicated to community service with an emphasis on children's education and diversity. Amel was a volunteer at the Food Bank, Washington Performance Center, United Way of Thurston County, and an active member of the Washington chapter of the National Institute of Public Procurement.
Amel is married, and, in her spare time, she enjoys photography, hiking, dancing, and travel.
Teddy Kemirembe, Co-Vice Chair
Teddy Dianah Kemirembe uses she/her pronouns and was born and raised in Uganda. Teddy comes from humble beginnings.
Teddy has a Master's in Social Work from Columbia University School of Social Work. She has a passion in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and has attained Certificate of Diversity Professional and Certificate of Diversity Executive from the Institute of Diversity Certification.
Teddy has over twenty years in social work, working primarily with children and families and has tremendous experience in child welfare, working with children affected by developmental disabilities and over 7 years working in emergency rooms assisting patients with mental health and homelessness.
Teddy currently works with the Developmental Disabilities Administration under DSHS as their Community Engagement and Client Connection Administrator. She is a mother of two beautiful girls, 12 years and 8 years, both with special needs. Her 12-year-old daughter is diagnosed with Autism and her 8-year-old daughter is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.
Teddy loves drumming, gardening, and watching movies in her free time.
Mariel Amundsen, Secretary
Mabuhay! I’m Mariel Amundsen, currently serving as an Administrative Assistant at the Washington State Employment Security Department, specifically in the Employment Connections division. My educational journey led me to Southern New Hampshire University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a minor in Business Administration, focusing on HR Management. Transitioning from the private sector, I joined ESD in May 2022, bringing my passion for service and support.
Currently, I co-chair the FOPINHA (Family of Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian) Employee Resource Group, having previously served as Communication Liaison and Secretary since June 2022.
My roots trace back to Manila, Philippines, where I was born and raised. Just two weeks shy of my 18th birthday, I embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States. Ah, America—the land of opportunities, Hollywood glamour, and mouthwatering burgers. It’s no surprise that countless Filipinos dream of crossing oceans to step onto this promising soil. For generations, we’ve sought opportunities abroad, and the US remains a beacon. Our contributions span diverse fields—from nursing and teaching to engineering and the arts. Yet, let’s be honest: navigating US immigration can be as bewildering as deciphering why jeepneys boast both raucous horns and eye-catching designs.
In the grand tapestry of life, my journey from Manila to the United States has woven threads of resilience, hope, and growth. As I continue to embrace the challenges and opportunities that unfold, I find solace in knowing that my story—like that of countless others—adds vibrancy to the diverse fabric of America. So, here’s to the next chapter, where dreams persist, connections deepen, and the promise of tomorrow beckons. What an opportunity!
Share Your Immigrant Story
We are collecting Immigrant Stories to highlight in our newsletter, social media, YouTube and website.
Please submit your short immigrant story by completing the form below or by video recording.
Thank you! We are looking forward to amplifying your story!
WIN NEEDS YOU!
WIN is seeking volunteers to assist in the following subcommittees:
WIN Advocacy Subcommittee
The Advocacy Subcommittee is to advocate for Washington Immigrant Network members. WIN BRG is committed to participating in progressive conversations about immigrant communities and their importance to the state. The team advocates for policies, laws, and engage with legislators and other leaders on immigrant issues.
WIN Membership Outreach Subcommittee
The Membership Outreach Subcommittee oversees and manages WIN BRG outreach efforts through various agencies and communities. The team is responsible for coordinating outreach events and oversees all immigrant and allies’ membership outreach and retention.
If you are interested in volunteering to serve on a subcommittee, please contact: WIN@ofm.wa.gov
Why Do You Need a Mentor?
Research says a good mentor inspires, motivates, stretches, connects, and helps develop your Emotional Intelligence. They also open your mind to your potential and opportunities. A good mentor can also provide a safe space to learn, experiment, and ask questions. The Washington Immigrant Network Business Resource Group Mentoring Program's goal is to retain and support immigrant state employees in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive and advance their careers, as well as recruit new employees from the immigrant community. The program establishes and facilitates direct, trusting relationships between volunteer mentors and their assigned mentees.
How can I connect with a mentor? For current or prospective state employees, visit Meet our Mentors. We have mentors from several state agencies from various ethnic backgrounds with varied expertise and experiences, including multilingual. After reviewing the mentor's profiles, submit your mentoring request here.
WIN's Mentoring Program Now Accepting New Mentees & Mentors
Become a WIN Mentee
Are you new to state service?
Are you seeking guidance on how to manage your career goals?
Do you need someone to talk to and share ideas with?
If yes, then WIN's Mentoring Program maybe a good resource for you. You can view WIN's list of eligible mentors to see if there is someone whose career experience and background would be a good match. After reviewing the mentor's profiles, you can submit your mentoring request here. Questions about the Mentor Program?
Questions about the Mentor Program? Please reach out to Christina Pourarien, Chair & Kathleen Quinene, Mentoring Program Administrator at Washington Immigrant Network, at win@ofm.wa.gov.
Become a WIN Mentor
The WIN Mentoring Program supports immigrant state employees in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive and advance their careers, as well as recruit new employees from the immigrant community at large. Learn more about becoming a mentor at: WIN's Mentoring Program.
Global Holidays and Observances
WIN would like to invite you to share with us the holidays and observance you celebrate in your culture. We want to showcase these significant celebrations on or website and social media. If you are interested in sharing your cultural celebrations with WIN, please email us at WIN@ofm.wa.gov
Recent & Upcoming Holidays and Observances:
July 1 – Canada Day
July 11 – World Population Day & Naadam
July 12 – Malala Day
July 17 – Ashura (Islam)
July 18 – Nelson Mandela Day
July 21 – Guru Purnima (Hindu) & Asala Puja (Buddhist)
General Membership is open to all current Washington State employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.
Statewide business resource groups (BRGs) bring together groups of employees and their allies who have a common interest or characteristic. All BRGs have a charter, mission, goals and bylaws and contribute to an overall statewide business strategy. BRG members bring their unique knowledge and perspectives, making them an asset to state business needs, such as recruitment and retention. (OFM.wa.gov/BRGs)
Support the professional development of immigrant state employees. Recommend strategies to advance recruitment, retention, career progression and leadership development. Educate state agencies on the experience, skills and knowledge of immigrants and the value of a diverse workforce.
WHAT WE DO:
Provide a support structure, educational resources and leadership assistance for immigrant state employees. Encourage immigrants to consider the state as an employer of choice through inter-agency and external outreach activities. Serve as a resource for the Office of Financial Management, State Human Resources division and state agencies in creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce.
