The Washington Immigrant Network (WIN) is holding its yearly elections.
This year there are three openings available for you to serve:
WIN's Chair, Vice-Chair, and Secretary.
This is an exciting chance to help WIN continue to grow and expand opportunities for immigrants who are current and future employees within Washington state government.
Those who are interested in serving in a WIN leadership role, please submit your resume and a short statement of interest to:
WIN leadership nominations are due INSERT DATE
WIN's Social Media Coordinator is stepping down.
Thank you for 3 years of service, Heidi!
Heidi Helsley, WIN’s Social Media Coordinator, announced that she is stepping down from the role. She shared the following message:
“I am proud of the contributions I have made serving in the Social Media Coordinator role including bringing awareness about our group, promoting inclusion and belonging, providing valuable resources, informing people of learning opportunities, recognizing accomplishments like the redesigned website and “Hello, My name is” video project, and more.
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As a first US born child of an immigrant, I feel very connected to WIN and the group’s motto - 'You Belong Here'."
WIN Chair Rokaih Vansot offered her thanks to Heidi with these thoughts:
"Heidi, your dedication, creativity, and genuine commitment have truly shaped the Social Media Coordinator role and made a remarkable impact on WIN as a whole. You’ve helped connect our community, promoted inclusion and belonging, and ensured our message reached many people… your efforts have not gone unnoticed. It's clear from all the heartfelt messages that your positivity and drive have inspired us. We will genuinely miss your hands-on approach and the enthusiasm you consistently brought to our team. The standards you set and the foundation you’ve built will continue to benefit WIN for years to come. While we understand your need to step back because of your other commitments, we’re grateful for your willingness to help with the transition and support the next volunteer. Thank you for being such an essential part of WIN. You will always be appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you continue to succeed in whatever role the future holds. We wish you all the best, and remember, you'll always have a home with us."
For the past three years, Heidi has helped make our social media platforms informative, welcoming, and engaging. WIN currently has 678 connections on LinkedIn, 395 followers on Instagram, and 164 followers on Facebook.
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Are you looking for an opportunity to make a meaningful difference?
Join our team! We currently have two volunteer positions open on our communication team:
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Website Coordinator
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Social Media Coordinator
Do you have skills with websites? Consider serving as our Website Coordinator. This role is responsible for updating WIN’s website with content including uploading images and videos, posting WIN events, and sharing Immigrant Stories.
Are you experienced at using social media? Are you skilled at showcasing special events and learning opportunities? Do you enjoy helping connect people to resources? Consider volunteering to be our Social Media Coordinator.
Help advance WIN’s efforts by serving in one of these roles. Both report to the WIN Leadership Team. Volunteers, be assured that you will have support as you get started.
Interested? Email WIN@ofm.wa.gov and provide the following details:
- Your first and last name
- Pronouns (optional)
- Email address
- Agency/Organization
- Why you are interested in joining the Communication subcommittee.
UPCOMING EVENTS
You are invited to participate in Office of Equity’s Solidarity Gathering Series.
Solidarity Gatherings create a space to feel seen, heard, and supported through storytelling, reflection, and shared experience to help strengthen connection, resilience, and care across agencies.
Visit this bulletin to learn more: Link to Bulletin
Register for the next Solidarity Gathering at: Link to Register
📅 Date: March 26, 2026 🕛 Time: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Join us for our next WIN General Membership Meeting!
📅 Date: April 7, 2026
🕛 Time: Noon to 1:00 p.m.
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The April meeting will feature a workshop focused on "Growing Your Career Path: Skills, Mindset & Opportunities" facilitated by WIN's Career & Professional Development Subcommittee. Join us to learn how you can grow your own career path!
Join us on Zoom: Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 942 7896 2565 Passcode: 638513
Our meeting 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. We hope you can attend.
Defining Courage will make its Pacific Northwest debut at University of Washington's Meany Hall on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A multi-year collaboration between the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) and Emmy Award-winning ABC7 Los Angeles News Anchor David Ono, this will be a key part of the 2026 national tour featuring an expanded production with new stories and new music.
Defining Courage is an immersive, live multimedia theatrical presentation honoring the heroic story of the Nisei soldiers (Japanese Americans) who fought for the United States in segregated WWII units. Through stunning visuals, live music, and powerful eyewitness accounts, the production brings to life their extraordinary bravery in the face of prejudice at home and enemies abroad. It is a moving exploration of service, civil rights, and democratic ideals that resonates deeply with audiences today. The production features an entirely original score performed live by the acclaimed RAISE Choir, Grammy Award-winning Daniel Ho, and Harold Payne, under the musical direction of Chris Wade. Watch the trailer: Click here to watch trailer
Purchase a ticket and invite your family and friends to support, enjoy, and learn from the experience at https://definingcourageshow.com/
The HAPPEN BRG invites you to the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANNHPI) Celebration!
May 14, 2026 - 10:00am to 1:00pm
L&I Headquarters Auditorium @ 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
There will be speakers, performances, and refreshments. You can register using the QR codes above.
For more information, email happen@ofm.wa.gov
Mark your calendars!
Save the date to celebrate!
June 3 is WIN’s annual Immigrant Heritage Month celebration.
Date, time and location:
June 3,2026 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Department of Labor and Industries @ 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Our theme is “WIN with Courage” inspired by the borage herb. Known as the "herb of courage" since ancient times, the medicinal herb borage (Borago officinalis) was used to treat sadness in warriors. The borage flower is featured prominently on our event flyer in honor of our immigrant community. Borage is thought to bring strength, joy, and bravery.
Experience presentations, food, music, and performances from various immigrant cultures.
Watch for more details and registration information soon.
Register for The Washington Experience Giveaway by March 31!
Twenty lucky SmartHealth subscribers will win $500 gift cards* to use towards a Washington experience!
Complete your well-being assessment and the Washington Experience Giveaway activity in SmartHealth by the deadline to be entered into each drawing:
- Drawing 1: March 31, 2026
- Drawing 2: June 30, 2026
- Drawing 3: September 30, 2026
You only need to enter once to be eligible to win any of the drawings.
See the FAQs and this announcement for details.
*Gift cards were not purchased with state funds.
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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!
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WIN Mentoring Program
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.
Questions? Contact win@ofm.wa.gov.
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Get Involved with a BRG
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.
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