Lunch & Learn: May 22nd!
May 22, 12:00 – 1:30pm Birthright Citizenship & Wong Kim Ark’s Victory.
Come hear what happened to Wong Kim Ark and why the court’s decision from 127 years ago is important now.
Guest Speakers: Hon. Andrea Chin (Seattle Municipal Court Judge), Grace Huang (Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor), Hon. Janice Zahn (Representative, 41st Leg. District), Hon. Joan V. Churchill (Immigration Judge, Retired), and Nicholas Vann (HAPPEN BRG Co-founder)
Hosted by: Lorraine Lee, WIN Founder, and Naghmana Sherazi, HAPPEN.
Click Here to Register
Farewell and Thank You, Mariel!
As we approach the end of May, we bid a heartfelt farewell to Mariel Amundsen, who has served as WIN’s Board Secretary since July 2024. Mariel recently announced her decision to leave ESD and state service, with her last day being May 30th.
Mariel shared: I wanted to take a moment to share some personal news—after much reflection, I’ve decided to move on from ESD and state service. I have given my two weeks’ notice and will stay in service until my last day of work on May 30th.
This decision wasn’t easy, as being part of this BRG and connecting with such incredible colleagues has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my time here.”
We are incredibly grateful for Mariel’s dedication, thoughtful leadership, and steady presence on our board. Her contributions behind the scenes helped keep us organized, on track, and always moving forward. More than that, she brought warmth, insight, and a spirit of collaboration that helped shape our BRG community.
Mariel, thank you for all you've given to WIN. We wish you the very best in your next chapter—you will be truly missed!
Sincerely,
Rokaih Vansot, WIN Co-Chair
|
It's Not Too Late!
Review and Rate the Nominees for 2025-26!
The nominees for Washington Immigrant Network (WIN) leadership positions for 2025-2026 were introduced at the May 6 General Membership meeting, and now it's time to hear from you.
Please take some time to review each nominee’s bio (at the link below) and provide your ratings to support their potential promotion into WIN's leadership roles for the 2025-2026 term.
Your thoughtful evaluation is crucial in selecting leaders who will guide WIN with vision, inclusivity, and dedication. Your insights will help ensure we continue fostering growth and excellence in leadership.
Thank you for your time and careful consideration. Responses are due by May 30th. The successful candidates will be announced at the June 18th Annual Immigrant Heritage Celebration.
If you have any questions, please contact us at WIN@ofm.wa.gov.
 Join WIN’s Immigrant Heritage Month celebration!
June 18, 2025 - 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Department of Labor and Industries @ 7273 Linderson Way, Tumwater
Everyone is invited to this free event!
Experience, performances, presentations, cultural foods, folk and traditional arts, games and more!
Register to attend. Use the QR code on the flyer or visit:
After registering, please complete our registration survey to provide a few more details:
We invite you to contribute a dish to share if you’d like. No obligation! Your generosity and participation will help create a warm and inclusive experience for everyone. Please sign up before May 30 to indicate the dish you’d like to bring. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference!
Are you interested in helping us during the event? Please complete our volunteer survey:
We hope to see you at the event!
WIN Mentoring Program
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.
Questions? Contact win@ofm.wa.gov.
|
Get Involved with a BRG
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)
See Business Resource Group Events Calendar
|
WHO WE ARE:
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.
BRG Participation Policy FAQ
|
