General Meeting
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HAPPEN general membership meetings are scheduled the second Wednesday of the month from 1:00 to 2:00 pm. Please download and import the following iCalendar (.ics) files to your calendar system.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 932 6442 8273Passcode: 339054
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 Leah Wainman (she/her) is an Epidemiologist passionate about advancing data equity in public health. With a strong background in epidemiological research and data analysis, she works to ensure that health data is accessible, inclusive, and used to drive equitable outcomes. Her work blends science, advocacy, and innovation to empower public health professionals and improve population health.
Pyone Yadanar Paing (she/her) is an epidemiologist passionate about advancing health equity through actionable local data. With a background in epidemiology, Tribal data, health policy, and data analysis, her work focuses on identifying health disparities by age, race/ethnicity, geography and improving how data can inform equitable public health decision-making.
Their presentation will be about: Asian communities represent diverse cultures, histories, and traditions that shape health behaviors and experiences of illness. Asian populations are not monolithic. Differences in language, migration history, socioeconomic status, and access to health care contribute to unique health profiles and disparities across subgroups. Chronic diseases and related health behaviors remain significant concerns in many Asian communities, yet they often remain under-recognized due to data aggregation that masks important subgroup differences. We will present the age-adjusted prevalence of chronic diseases and health behaviors among the overall Asian population, as well as Asian subgroups, alone or in combination with other races.
What's HAPPENing in the BRG Family
Executive Leadership Nominations Are Open!
It is time to elect new executive leadership team members. The following positions will be open for nomination and election this term:
Co-Chair (Position 3)
Administrative Liaison
Community Outreach
Membership
Mentorship
Treasurer
Special Election Positions
Communications Coordinator
Leadership Development Lead
Nominations will open March 1 and close April 30. To nominate someone or yourself you can scan the QR code or use the link: Nominations Form. Position descriptions can be found on the HAPPEN website. HAPPEN members are defined in Article IV, Section I in the bylaws.
What's HAPPENing in the News
Bills signed into Law
69th Legislature 2026 Regular Session
Immigration Protections
Second Substitute House Bill 2105 provides clarity for employer and employee’s rights about federal I-9 audits. The bill would require employers to notify their employees within 72 hours of receiving demands from federal agency to inspect I-9 forms. The bill is awaiting Governor Ferguson’s signature.
Substitute House Bill 2411 expands the shared leave program to include situations in which employees or relatives of employees are victims of hate crimes or if absence is due to immigration enforcement actions affecting them or family members. The bill is awaiting Governor Ferguson’s signature.
House Bill 2632 requires all local statutes and official documents enacted after July 1, 2026 to use the term “noncitizen” instead of “alien” when referring to an individual who is not a citizen or U.S. national. This law will take effect June 11, 2026.
Interactions with Law Enforcement
Substitute Senate Bill 5855 bans law enforcement officers from the use of face coverings that conceal their identity while interacting with the public on duty. This law is currently in effect, as of March 19, 2026.
Food and Language Supports
Substitute House Bill 2475 directs the Office of Equity to develop guidelines affirming protection against unlawful discrimination, facilitate consistent practice by state agencies, and eliminate unclear agency interpretations of standards around language access.
Education
Engrossed Third Substitute House Bill 1634 provides school districts and public schools with assistance to coordinate comprehensive behavioral health supports for students, establish training networks to support teachers and students, and have consistent evidence-based definitions of behavioral health across the state.
Cultural Events & Activities
The following are some activities you may want to check out HAPPENing:
APIC WA Legislative Debrief for 2026
APIC is excited to host a Legislative Session Debrief on April 1st at 3pm! As a participant in A&NH/PI Legislative Day, we would love to see you there!
Register here: www.tinyurl.com/2026legislativedebrief
We've been advocating all session, alongside you, for bills and budget asks that support A&NH/PI and other vulnerable communities - come learn how the APIC priorities and solidarity items fared at the close of session. We've had some historic wins, and as always some difficult losses, but there is always much to learn from one another as our fight continues.
Join us as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and honor the many cultures that enrich not only our membership, but our entire community.
This special event will feature:
- Inspiring guest speakers
- Cultural performances
- Light refreshments
- Opportunities to connect and build community
Come celebrate with us, learn, and meet fellow members in person. We look forward to bringing everyone together for an afternoon of culture, connection, and celebration.
Reserve your seat today — we can’t wait to see you there!
Scan the QR Code or Register Here.
 Every day, remarkable individuals work—often quietly—to build a culture where everyone feels seen, valued, and uplifted. They create bridges across communities, champion inclusion in their workplaces, and dedicate their time and care to uplifting others in both public and private sectors.
We especially celebrate those who empower and uplift the Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (ANHPI) community. Through service, mentorship, advocacy, cultural pride, and everyday acts of kindness, they help our communities thrive.
Do you know someone whose light inspires others and strengthens the spirit of unity and hope? Nominate them and help us recognize those who are making a meaningful difference in our shared community. To nominate someone, use this form: Nominations. Nominations close on April 15, 2026.
Contact HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov for more information.
Have Something to Share?
We try our best to curate meaningful and relevant content, opportunities, news, etc., we think will be of interest for our members and allies. Representing over 100 countries and more than 50 communities makes it difficult to stay apprised of everything HAPPENing related to our collective community. We greatly appreciate when opportunities are shared from our members.
This is your bulletin. Feel free to send articles, resources, event information, etc., to be included in future bulletins, and eventually, our website and social media.
Process:
- Submit items by emailing them to HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov by Thursday morning for the following week's bulletin.
- Time sensitive items submitted will be reviewed and included in the next bulletin.
- Non-time sensitive submissions will be added to the list to be included in future bulletins when we may be looking for content to share.
- Bulletins will usually be distributed on Mondays. Special bulletins will be sent only as needed to provide an update on something already shared or of an urgent nature.
Thank you in advance for sharing, uplifting, and elevating our voices, culture, and opportunities! This is what community looks like.
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