Congratulation to the newest Ex-Officio: Nicholas Vann 

Nicholas Vann who is our former Executive Sponsor for HAPPEN and one of our co-founders has been confirmed as an Ex-Officio member.

Nicholas Vann was the first Executive Sponsor for Washington State Business Resource Group HAPPEN. He is Chinese American, and is the son, grandson, and great grandson of immigrants. Nicholas is dedicated to public service and prioritizes putting people first to ensure systems are serving Washingtonians equitably. He began serving the public in Washington state government in 2011 with the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, where he served as the State Historical Architect and Deputy Director. He believes that every Washingtonian deserves the dignity of feeling a sense of belonging regardless of their identity, and that the future of state government models relational partnership by empowering the voice and lived experience of people.

• 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.

Office of Equity to Lead Immigration Sub-Cabinet

Statement from the Washington State Office of Equity September 29, 2025 

Today, Governor Bob Ferguson announced Executive Order 25-09, Reaffirming Washington’s Commitment to Protecting the Rights and Interests of Immigrant Communities.  

“Washington is a welcoming community that values immigrants’ and refugees’ contributions to our economy and our cultural fabric,” Governor Ferguson said. “While the federal government engages in cruel attacks on immigrant communities, we are taking action to protect the rights and interests of all Washingtonians. This executive order ensures every agency across our state is working together to defend immigrant rights.”   

From tribal citizens whose sovereignty predates the state, to families who have called Washington home for centuries, and to first-generation immigrants who chose to build their future here, everyone plays a vital role in shaping our culture, economy, and collective success. As Nam Nguyễn, Acting Director of the Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs, notes, “Our state has long been a leader in advancing fairness, inclusion, and justice,” a tradition this Executive Order builds on. 

The Executive Order directs state agencies to continue upholding Washington’s values as a welcoming state by: 

• Ensuring all residents have access to fair, high-quality services, no matter their citizenship status, immigration status, or the language they speak;   

• Safeguarding personal information and treating data protection as a key part of public safety;   

• Following anti-discrimination laws and the bipartisan Keep Washington Working Act;   

• Working together through a new statewide Immigration Sub-Cabinet, led by the Office of Equity, to align efforts and improve communication with immigrant communities; and   

• Identifying new ways to provide support and resources for immigrants, asylum-seekers, and others in need.   

“I am grateful to live in a state that prioritizes and values all its residents. The Office of Equity is particularly excited to work with the state’s people-focused commissions to ensure the development of statewide standards, guidance, and expectations, and that agency actions are shaped by the voices of Washingtonians,” said Office of Equity Director Megan Matthews.  

Building on this, Commission on Hispanic Affairs Director María Sigüenza emphasized the importance of centering outcomes around those directly impacted by state policies. She reminded us that the success of this work depends on ensuring all communities feel seen and supported: “Together, we will ensure immigrant communities feel valued, protected, and empowered to succeed as part of our vision for a Washington for All.” 

Washington State is committed to ensuring all identities within the immigrant community are represented. That includes ensuring people with disabilities and within the LGBTQ community have a voice as well. WA LGBTQ Commission Director Lisa Keating highlighted that strong privacy protections are essential to upholding equity and inclusion. She noted that protecting residents’ information is not only a matter of policy but of dignity and security: “It is paramount that Washington state protects its residents. Data privacy is a critical piece to personal safety. Given the long history of our state continuing to advance rights and protections for Washingtonians, Governor Ferguson's action through Executive Order is a firm commitment to our state's values.” 

This Executive Order reaffirms that commitment and strengthens Washington’s resolve to protect the dignity, safety, and rights of all who call our state home. 

View Governor Ferguson’s press release. 

For more information or questions about this initiative, please contact subcabinet@equity.wa.gov. To receive regular updates about the Sub-Cabinet, please sign up for the Sub-Cabinet Support newsletter by clicking on this link. The Office of Equity will share updates in the coming days on the Sub-Cabinet Support newsletter about next steps to establish the Sub-Cabinet. We are excited to connect with the many community organizations that advocated for this Sub-Cabinet and work with you all to protect all Washingtonians. 

Communicating a Washington for All,

The Washington State Office of Equity Team