Left to Right: Janet Kiwanuka, Lorraine Lee, Gwen Willis, Teddy D Kemirembe, Kuen Kuen Spichiger, Todd Baker, Rokaih Vansot, Amel Alsalman, Gina G. O’Neill, and Cami Feek.
On September 26, the WIN Leadership Team met together with an agenda designed to build stronger connections and reflect on progress, success, and challenges.
It was a fun and inspiring session of getting to know each other better and beginning to identify some shared priorities for WIN, including creating leadership development activities, sharing successes and best practices, and establishing more networking opportunities.
During the retreat Gina G. O’Neill has accepted the role of Secretary. The group also approved a proposal to establish two Secretary positions. You can read more about the role on the WIN Leadership Positions webpage. This is a great opportunity to share your talents and help WIN continue to be a great resource for our members.
If you are interested in being one of WIN's Secretaries, please contact us at win@ofm.wa.gov
Governor Ferguson signs Executive Order reaffirming Washington’s commitment to protecting immigrant rights
Executive Order 25-09 creates Immigration Sub-Cabinet to promote statewide coordination on immigration issues
Governor Bob Ferguson recently announced an executive order that reaffirms Washington’s commitment to protecting immigrant communities and their rights, including protecting their data. Executive Order 25-09 creates the Immigration Sub-Cabinet, which promotes coordination among state agencies on issues related to immigration. This builds on and formalizes existing coordination and work to support immigrant families, including the Governor’s Family Separation Rapid Response Team.
The Immigration Sub-Cabinet will meet regularly and be led in partnership by the state Office of Equity, the Governor’s Office and the Office of Financial Management.
Governor Ferguson’s order also directs state agencies to review their data collection, sharing and retention policies to ensure they are protecting the privacy and safety of all residents consistent with Washington’s values and the law.
If you would like to receive updates about the Immigration Sub-Cabinet, email subcabinet@equity.wa.gov.
“Washington is a welcoming community that values immigrants’ and refugees’ contributions to our economy and our cultural fabric. 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.” Governor Bob Ferguson
Building Emotional Resilience: Circles of Control and Influence
At the October WIN general membership meeting, Janet Kiwanuka shared practical ways to build emotional resilience by focusing on what you can control and influence. Attendees learned how to bounce back from setbacks and take empowered action in challenging times. Missed the meeting? Click here to read the presentation.
October 31 is your last chance to enter the Washington Experience Giveaway!
Time is running out to enter the Washington Experience Giveaway. The deadline is October 31, 2025.
How to enter
First, complete your SmartHealth well-being assessment. Then, report completion of the “Washington Experience Giveaway” featured activity located in the “Activities and Resources” area of SmartHealth.
Winners can choose a $500 gift card from one of the following businesses:
The Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) protects all people in Washington, regardless of immigration status.
In 2019, the Washington State Legislature passed the Keep Washington Working Act (KWW) to protect the rights of immigrant communities from unnecessary contact with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP). It means that police and state agencies cannot:
Ask about immigration status
Detaining or retaining someone for ICE
Share nonpublic information (such as your address) with ICE or CBP
State agencies must also limit what personal information they collect and share.
Keep Washington Working protects people to get the services they need. Know your rights and know that Washington has your back!
The flyer is courtesy of Washington Immigration Solidarity Network (WAISN) – learn more at https://waisn.org/kww/
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mother Africa, a community services non-profit, is delighted to invite you to our complimentary Cultural Night, a celebration of culture, community, and joy!
Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Family Life Center, 32275 32nd Ave S, Federal Way, WA 98001
Join us for an evening filled with live cultural performances, complimentary ethnic food, community fashion show, inspiring stories, graduations, and much more. This is a wonderful opportunity to network with the community, experience the vibrant cultures of Mother Africa, and connect with partners dedicated to fostering inclusion and belonging.
We would be honored to have you join us for this special celebration.
Featured performances include: Umunezero (Rwandan dance and drumming), Anokye Agofomma band (Ghanaian music and dance) and The Zambuko Marimba Ensemble (Zimbabwean music)
With appreciation to our sponsors:
Filipino Day Fiesta at APCC – October 25th
Asia Pacific Cultural Center invites the community to come together for a historic celebration of resilience, culture, and unity during our very first Annual Filipino Day — “Bayanihan: Journey of the Philippine Spirit.”
Taking place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, the day will begin with a moving tribute to Filipino compassion and courage through the film screening of “Nurse Unseen,” followed by a live cooking demo with Chef Jan Parker, and culminating in an afternoon of vibrant cultural performances, food, art, and community connection through our Filipino Day Fiesta.
This full day of programming honors the essence of Bayanihan — the Filipino spirit of helping one another — a value that continues to shine through our caregivers, artists, youth, and elders.
Does saving for retirement feel like trying to cook with no recipe? You think: “Am I saving enough? What’s the right number for me?Should I save withpretax or Roth? Stocks or bonds?” Having the right “recipe” for retirement can turn that stress into confidence.
Join Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) for the second half of National Retirement Security Month (NRSM).
DRS is hosting a free 30-min webinar to help you reach your retirement goals.Sign up to get your spot.
Turn up the heat on your savings
Tuesday, October 28, 12 pm Webinar
Just like adding spices to a recipe, small increases to your DCP contributions can have a big impact. Discover options for saving more, and explore the difference between pretax and Roth contributions.
This free community event is for middle schoolers, high schoolers, parents, and guardians – Win Laptops, Gift cards and more! The forum starts at the Church on the Side of the Road for check-in, breakfast, and opening session. Youth will then walk next door to the Tukwila Municipal courthouse for workshops and lunch.
Registration available here. More information Click Here
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.
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.
