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.
National Immigrants Day is October 28th
With racist anti-immigrant rhetoric growing in the past few years, we felt it was important to acknowledge National Immigrants Day on October 28.
President Ronald Reagan officially established National Immigrants Day in 1987 on the 101st anniversary of the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty to celebrate the unique history of the U.S. as a nation built and developed by immigrants.
In honor of National Immigrants Day, we encourage you to learn about immigrant experiences.
Watch “My Name Story”. “My Name Story” is a portrait-video project that examines the AANHPI experience through the lens of our names at the intersection of race, gender and class. This project explores themes of identity, belonging, and reclamation in a country that oftentimes labels AANHPIs as the other and perpetual foreigner. The project includes women from different generations, ethnicities and experiences who have had, at one point or another, struggles with their names and the meanings attached to them.
Lorraine Lee, receives the WSBA Angelo Petruss Apex Award!
We are pleased to announce that WIN’s founder and past Executive Sponsor, Lorraine Lee, received the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA)’s Angelo Petruss Apex Award for Lawyers in Government Service. Through Alejandro Sanchez's and Carolina Sun-Windrow's remarks, WIN is featured as one of Lorraine's accomplishments!
Watch this video to learn more about Lorraine’s accomplishments and this prestigious and well-deserved award!
Teddy Dianah Kemirembe presents at Liquor & Cannabis Board
On Sept. 18, 2024, WIN’s Co-vice chair Teddy Dianah Kemirembe, was given an opportunity to present WIN at the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Belonging Council (DEIBC) at the Washington state Liquor and Cannabis Board in Olympia.
Teddy had an opportunity to share her own lived experience as she answered the four questions in regards to inclusion.
As we reflect of Teddy’s answers, Teddy would love you to reflect on these questions and she would love to know how would you have answered these questions in your own lived experience as an immigrant?
Welcome Our New Volunteers to Manage WIN's Website!
Tuletu Nelani - Communications/Website Manager
Tuletu is a seasoned communications professional with more than 13 years of experience in creative storytelling, cultural exploration, and content creation. Joining state service in October 2023, she brings a wealth of expertise to drive impactful connections.
With a bachelor’s degree in journalism and media studies, Tuletu’s skills encompass broadcasting, videography, content creation, audio editing, and problem solving.
Her professional journey includes:
Media manager for an 8,000-student body.
Teaching in South Korea and chronicling cultural experiences.
Military spouse ambassador at JBLM, supporting active-duty soldiers, veterans, and their families.
Tuletu’s dedication to innovative solutions earned her recognition as an Investec Top 100 candidate for the Arts, Culture, Media, and Society Award. A passionate advocate for cultural exchange she's fluent in English and isiXhosa (yes, the language of Wakanda!). Beyond her professional accomplishments, Tuletu enjoys anime, reading, hiking, travel, photography, and videography.
Komal Qureshi, Website Manager Backup
Komal Qureshi has worked in the Accounts Management Center at the Employment Security Department since 2021. She is a graduate of University of Washington and has a passion for working with small businesses.
Don’t miss your chance to qualify for the SmartHealth $125 wellness incentive. The deadline is quickly approaching.
How to qualify
Each year, complete the SmartHealth well-being assessment (worth 800 points) and reach a total of 2,000 SmartHealth points by the deadline. Eligible PEBB subscribers can qualify for a $125 wellness incentive.
The deadline is November 30 for most eligible subscribers. For new employees whose benefits begin between October 1 and December 31, the deadline is December 31.
SmartHealth support through WebMD Customer ServiceOnline:Contact SmartHealth
Phone: 1-800-947-9541, Monday through Friday, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pacific)
Help with SAW - Click the Get Help button on the SAW website for help with:
SAW account creation or access (forgot username/password)
Multifactor authentication
WIN General Membership Meeting (Zoom)
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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.
Washington Immigrant Network Business Resource Group Mentoring Program mentors are current or former state employees that have experience navigating the various routes to state employment and career advancement. Mentors are ready to share their experience with their mentees, whether those mentees are current or prospective state employees.
The program’s goals are to facilitate a more culturally and ethnically diverse state workforce which, in turn, will allow us to serve our customers better, and 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.
Research shows that 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.
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?
Get support from a WIN mentor. Become a WIN mentee.
Start by meeting our mentors. Review their bios and see if there is someone you would feel comfortable connecting with.
Establish a formal mentoring relationship by completing our online Mentoring Request Form
Become a WIN Mentor
Mentors must be current or former state employees that have experience navigating the various routes to state employment and career advancement. Mentors must be ready to share their experience with their mentees, whether those mentees are current or prospective state employees. Submit a Mentor Application Form if you are interested in being a WIN Mentor.
We are collecting Immigrant Stories to highlight in our newsletter, social media, YouTube and website. Fill out our online form to share your Immigrant Story with us and submit a release form.
Thank you! We are looking forward to amplifying your story!
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Washington State Veterans Employee Resource Group (VERG) invites you to join them for the Veterans Day Ceremony, “A Legacy of Loyalty and Service,” on November 6th, 2024, from 1pm to 3pm at the Legislative Building - Columbia Room, 416 Sid Snyder Ave SW, Olympia, WA 98504.
Veterans Day is a time to honor and recognize the brave service members who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This ceremony is an opportunity for us to come together as a community to express our gratitude and appreciation for their dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to our nation.
Please share this message with your network to help us honor our veterans.
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.
