WIN Co-Chair Teddy D. Kemirembe’s Opening Speech at the King County Legislative Forum on IDD and Immigration (November 13, 2025)
Teddy D. Kemirembe stood at the podium with quiet strength, her eyes sweeping across the packed room of legislators, advocates, and families. A two-time cancer survivor, a single mother of two daughters with developmental disabilities, and an immigrant from Uganda, Teddy was not just opening the King County Legislative Forum on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD)—she was opening a conversation that had long been overdue.
“I am here today,” she began, “as a mother, a fighter, and an immigrant who believes that every child deserves to be seen, supported, and celebrated.” She spoke of the intersectional barriers families like hers face—navigating disability services in a system that often overlooks immigrants, translating medical terms into languages caregivers understand, and showing up to IEP meetings where cultural nuance is ignored.
“We are not invisible,” Teddy said. “We are families who crossed oceans and borders with hope. We are raising children who defy expectations every day. But we need policies that reflect our realities—not just our resilience.” Her words resonated deeply. She described how immigration status can affect access to disability services, how cultural stigma around IDD can isolate families, and how inclusive legislation must center both disability and diversity.
“I ask you today,” she said, “to fund programs that speak our languages, train providers who understand our cultures, and build systems that welcome—not just tolerate—immigrant families with children who have disabilities.” The room erupted in applause. Teddy’s speech didn’t just open the legislative forum—it opened hearts, minds, and a path toward more inclusive policy.
Immigrant Story - Gina G. O'Neill
They say my tongue is thick— like it’s tripping over English in borrowed shoes. But I say: my accent is not a mistake. It is a map. A melody. A memory of mango trees and monsoon skies. Of Visayan lullabies sung in the dark when the power went out but the love stayed lit.
It is the sound of my daughter’s giggle echoing through a one-bedroom apartment in 1987, where the walls were thin, but the dreams were thick. Where I rehearsed job interview answers in front of the mirror— “Good morning, sir.” “I’m here to work hard.” And I did. With hands that knew hunger, feet that knew homelessness, and a heart that refused to be evicted from hope.
Each syllable I speak carries the salt of the sea, the rhythm of the afternoon rain pouring down from the laughter of elders in the kitchen rolling sticky rice with stories tucked in banana leaf— tales of heartbreak, healing, and holy resistance.
I do not apologize for the way my vowels stretch like hammock cloth, or how my Rs roll like waves returning home. This voice— this island-born voice— has crossed oceans, carried toddlers on tired hips, scrubbed floors in silence, and whispered prayers into facility rooms where I was not the nurse, but the cleaner— still holy in my purpose. Still sacred in my service.
It has said “yes” when the world said, “not yet.” It has asked questions in classrooms where I was never meant to belong— and answered them with degrees, with diplomas, with divine determination etched into every certificate like a psalm of perseverance.
Human Services Management. Healthcare Administration. Industrial and Organizational Psychology. A Doctorate Degree. Each title earned not to impress— but to serve. To bless. To build tables where no one feels like a guest. Where no child of nine is forgotten. Where every accent is honored. Where legacy is not just remembered— but lived.
So no, I will not soften my sound to make you comfortable. Because this accent? It is my grandmother’s lullaby. It is my father’s blessing. It is the sound of survival wrapped in syllables you might not understand but I do. And that is enough.
Job Opportunity
The Washington State Department of Retirement Systems is recruiting to fill the following position: HR Operations Manager
If you are interested in being considered for this role (or know someone who is), please click on the position title link for additional information and application instructions.
We all experience the holiday season differently. For some, it’s a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. For others, it can bring feelings of stress, grief, loneliness, or pressure.
WebMD created the SmartHealth holiday season guide to help everyone navigate the complexities of the season. This guide uses a gentle approach that respects everyone’s journey and supports their well-being.
Topics include:
Financial stress and spending
Grief and loss during the holidays
Recognizing different traditions
Navigating family dynamics
Self-care and body kindness
Change in routines
Earn points
Earn 75 SmartHealth points by completing the “SmartHealth holiday season guide” activity before December 31, 2025. Look for it in the Activities and Resources tab under Featured Activities.
Don’t miss your opportunity to qualify for the $125 wellness incentive in 2026. Log into SmartHealth to complete your well-being assessment (worth 800 points) and reach a total of 2,000 points by November 30.
Learn more
Find information about eligibility, the wellness incentive, and more at SmartHealth (PEBB).
Loan Forgiveness Opportunities for State Employees
What is the PSLF program?
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) is a federal program that forgives the remaining balance on Direct loans for public service employees after they have made 120 qualifying monthly payments (approximately 10 years) under a qualifying repayment plan while working full time for an eligible public service employer.
The website provides PSLF information for state agency employers, including state agency PSLF employment certification program requirements, guidance materials and employee notification template letters. State employee resources are available at Washington Student Achievement Council PSLF program.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness Statewide Initiative Plan (0.6MB) provides an overview of the statewide initiative plan for Washington to support student loan borrowers pursuing the PSLF program by increasing awareness, improving access and removing barriers to the program.
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.
