As we look ahead to 2026, WIN's Advocacy Subcommittee would love to hear your thoughts. We are asking for your feedback on three questions to help us prioritize our agendas for the coming. year.
We would greatly appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to take our survey (link below) and share your input.
From your perspective, what are the biggest challenges or barriers immigrant communities are facing in Washington State at this time?
If the WIN Advocacy subcommittee could focus on one priority issue or strategy, what should it be and why do you think it would make the biggest impact?
What does meaningful partnership with state government look like to you when it comes to immigration policy, programs, or advocacy?
Click this link to take the survey and provide your input.
Additionally, the Advocacy Subcommittee is seeking volunteers. If you are interested in joining, please contact us at win@ofm.wa.gov
On February 11, spend a powerful day at the Washington State Capitol connecting with elected leaders, advocates, and future changemakers.
“Women At The Capitol” is a full-day civic experience designed to inspire participation, build confidence, and strengthen representation in public life.
Who should attend?
Students curious about policy, law, or public service
Young professionals looking to deepen civic connections
Nonprofit and government employees
Advocates, organizers, and community leaders
Women considering future public service roles
Corporate, foundation, and lobbying partners committed to women’s leadership
Members of partner organizations across Washington
The ICSEW Legislative and Policy Subcommittee wants to raise awareness about two bills being considered in the 2026 legislative session.
HB 2173 and SB 5855 prohibit local, state, and federal law enforcement officers from wearing masks while interacting with the public in their official capacity, while providing certain exceptions. They also allow anyone detained by an unlawfully masked local or state officer to sue that officer in their official capacity. Exceptions include clear face shields, N95 masks intended to prevent disease transmission; devices or air-purifying masks that are necessary to protect against exposure to hazardous environmental conditions; and helmets used to protect the wearers’ heads during transportation on a bicycle or motorcycle.
There is no expected fiscal impact of these bills, and they would go into effect 90 days after the adjournment of the session during which they are passed. The House version is in the House Committee on Public Safety, while the Senate version is in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice.
You can stay Up to Date on ICSEW News by joining their mailing list: Receive notifications of upcoming meetings as well as bi-monthly newsletters via GovDelivery.
Immigrant Stories are American Stories
We are collecting Immigrant Stories to highlight in our newsletter, social media, YouTube and website. WIN’s Immigrant Stories page has been updated to includes a document with prompts to help you draft your story and a release form.
Thank you! We are looking forward to amplifying your story!
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.
For the January 6th meeting, facilitated by Amel Alsalman and Janet Kiwanuka, our agenda includes:
Psychologist Dr. Jim Hulse will speak about Solidarity and Mental Illness
Alexandra Cooper (immigrant from Colombia) will share her immigrant story
A heartfelt thank you to Rand Roedell, co-founder of Relume, for sharing their inspiring journey with Washington Immigrant Network during our January general membership meeting.
Their work empowers refugee artisans through creativity, community, and meaningful employment reminding us how purpose-driven entrepreneurship can change lives.
Thank you, Rand, for shining your light and strengthening ours.
Whether you want to improve your sleep, get more active, build better connections, or manage stress, SmartHealth can help. Use SmartHealth to enhance your well-being in 2026.
Finding your healthy state starts with the well-being assessment. Complete it to unlock the SmartHealth experience and get tailored tips and a personal health report that will help guide you toward better well-being.
By participating in SmartHealth, you can qualify for either a $125 reduction to your 2027 medical plan deductible or a one-time deposit into your health savings account (HSA) if you are enrolled in a consumer-directed health plan (CDHP).
How do I qualify? Complete the well-being assessment (worth 800 points) and enough activities of your choice to earn a total of 2,000 points by November 30, 2026.
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.
We support the professional development of immigrant state employees. We recommend strategies to advance recruitment, retention, career progression and leadership development. We educate state agencies on the experience, skills and knowledge of immigrants and the value of a diverse workforce.
WHAT WE DO:
We provide a support structure, educational resources and leadership assistance for immigrant state employees. We encourage immigrants to consider the state as an employer of choice through inter-agency and external outreach activities. We 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.
