Special Elections: Co-Chair and Special Projects Lead

The following positions are up for special election on the HAPPEN Executive Leadership Team (ELT):

• Co-Chair (1 position)
• Special Projects Lead

Nominations are still open! 

Nominate yourself or someone else by completing our nomination form

Election

The nominees are eligible for election. Members may vote by completing the election form once nominations have closed and election polls open. 

Ex-Officio Confirmation Voting for Nicholas Vann by completing our  voting form Ex-Officio: A non-elected position. Appointed by Executive Committee, with confirmation vote by majority of voting membership, as a legacy member who assists current leadership with ensuring HAPPEN stays aligned with mission, vision, values, and strategies.

General Meeting

HAPPEN general membership meetings are scheduled the second Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 2:00 pm (meeting will not occur December 2025). 

What's HAPPENing in the BRG Family

You Are Invited The Interagency Committee of State Employed Women (ICSEW) invite you to attend a Virtual Lunch & Learn on September 11, 2025, presented by Aimee Elber and Monica Trujillo Topic: Make Your Resume & Cover Letter Work for You Time: 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (1 hour presentation + 30 minutes Q&A/Testimony) An applicant’s resume and cover letter are often the first impression with a potential employer; in today’s competitive job market, these items need to shine. In this session, attendees learn: • Clearly showcase acquired skills, experience, and value • Avoid mistakes limiting potential career opportunities • Formatting tips, content strategies, and tailoring techniques • Create polished, Automated Tracking Systems (ATM) friendly application materials These practical tools and confidence-boosting tips will help any application materials stand out Free Registration Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tNqPn2rzQg6GNYAKcoQjlQ

State Supreme Court Interpreter and Language Access Commission (ILAC)

The Washington State Supreme Court Interpreter and Language Access Commission (ILAC) is seeking new members to serve in two positions that will be open this fall: 1. Public Member Representative; and 2. Ethnic Organization Representative.

ILAC supports the courts in providing equal access to justice and access to court services and programs for all regardless of ability to communicate in the English language. The Commission operates in an advisory and policy making capacity under Supreme Court rule. More details can be found at the webpage below.

Parties interested in joining ILAC should submit a letter of interest and resume to the email or mailing address below no later than September 12, 2025. Submitting a letter of interest does not guarantee appointment. When considering appointments, the ILAC may seek to maintain a certain balance in representation. ILAC may consider many factors such as diversity, geography, experience, expertise and education.

Interpreter and Language Access Commission
c/o James Wells
P.O. Box 41170
Olympia, WA 98504-1170

A detailed description of the ILAC can be found at:
https://www.courts.wa.gov/InterpreterCommission

For questions about the work of ILAC, please contact James Wells via email at
James.Wells@courts.wa.gov

What's HAPPENing in the News

Hawaii to join West Coast Health Alliance with Washington, California, and Oregon. 

The state of Hawaii is joining Washington, California, and Oregon in the West Coast Health Alliance, which is providing unified recommendations on immunizations to residents based on science, not politics.

Have Something to Share?

Submit items and ideas

We try our best to curate meaningful and relevant content, opportunities, news, etc., we think will be of interest for our members and allies. Representing over 100 countries and more than 50 communities makes it difficult to stay apprised of everything HAPPENing related to our collective community. We greatly appreciate when opportunities are shared from our members.

This is your bulletin. Feel free to send articles, resources, event information, etc., to be included in future bulletins, and eventually, our website and social media.

Process:

• Submit items by emailing them to HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov by Thursday morning for the following week's bulletin.
• Time sensitive items submitted will be reviewed and included in the next bulletin.
• Non-time sensitive submissions will be added to the list to be included in future bulletins when we may be looking for content to share.
• Bulletins will usually be distributed on Mondays. Special bulletins will be sent only as needed to provide an update on something already shared or of an urgent nature.

Thank you in advance for sharing, uplifting, and elevating our voices, culture, and opportunities! This is what community looks like.

Follow us on Social Media

Stay connected with the community and get the most up to date information by following HAPPEN on social media.

The Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowering Network (HAPPEN) Business Resource Group exists to improve lives by increasing Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) representation in leadership and general state employment and advocating for policies that promote anti-racism, equity, inclusion, diversity, and belonging in the workplace. We work to build a culture of inclusion and belonging that gives voice to the ANHPI experience.

Please share this information and encourage your colleagues, state-employed family, and friends to attend and get involved! We are a formal, enterprise-wide resource group conducting official state business. Participants are not required to take leave to participate per State HR's policy. If you experience any challenges in participating, please let us know. 

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Email: HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov