A Message from Our Leadership
On behalf of the HAPPEN ELT, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Annual AANHPI Celebration on May 14, 2026.
The event provided a meaningful opportunity for us to come together as a community—to hear from inspiring speakers, share and celebrate our diverse cultures, and enjoy a meal together. This long-awaited gathering brought our members together not only to honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage, but also to connect with one another, strengthen relationships, and welcome new faces into our community.
A special highlight of the celebration was recognizing outstanding individuals whose contributions make a lasting impact in our workplaces and communities. Honorees were nominated by peers, colleagues, friends, and community members who see firsthand the dedication, leadership, and service these individuals demonstrate every day.
Awards were presented in the areas of Workplace Inclusion, Community Service and Volunteerism, Mentorship and Youth Support, and Advocacy and Policy Work. While many of these individuals do not seek recognition, we believe it is important to celebrate their efforts and acknowledge the positive difference they make in the lives of others. We are honored to recognize and thank them for their commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
We would also like to thank our generous sponsors, WFSE Council 28 and WSECU, whose support helped make this celebration possible. A special thank you goes to Gary Lott for taking the time to capture memorable moments throughout the event, allowing us to share the experience with members who were unable to attend.
We invite you to enjoy and share the photos and video from the celebration below. Thank you again for helping make this event such a memorable and meaningful success.
HAPPEN AANHPI Heritage Celebration
 To view the photos please go here : HAPPEN 2026 AANHPI Cultural Celebration Album
General Meeting
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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What's HAPPENing in the BRG Family
 Calling all Native / Indigenous artists! SOVEREIGN’s Artistic Challenge begins today
We are looking for artwork from inspired Natives to help us create a new logo that will help our BRG be recognizable and in turn inspire our community. Starting today, we invite Native / Indigenous artists to send us their artwork to be considered for SOVEREIGN’s new logo.
This logo will be used in multiple spaces to support and elevate SOVEREIGN as a community and as a BRG. This could include newsletters, tabling gear, swag, giftings, and more as time reveals. We honor our artists so be assured your name will be included and shared with the logo.
How to enter:
- Email your entries to sovereign@ofm.wa.gov.
- Be sure to Include your name, work email, contact phone, tribal identity / affiliation, plus a description and name of the artwork.
- Submit your entries by Monday, August 3, 2026.
Selection process:
- We will present the artwork to membership. Only the art piece and the name of the artwork will be posted. This way we limit unintentional bias or favoritism.
- We will announce the winner to the general membership.
- The winner will receive an honorarium, because again we honor our artists.
Possible themes and imagery for the logo could include:
- Four seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall.
- Four elements: Earth, Wind, Water and Fire.
- Four colors: Black, White, Red and Yellow.
- Water imagery representing Water Protectors.
- Seed (s) representing Evolution and Expansiveness.
- 7 generations (past, current, future).
- Images with a beading look.
- Include tag lines (optional):
- “Since Time Immemorial”
- “REAL INDIGENOUS”
Help us get the word out!
Please share our SOVEREIGN's Artistic Challenge handout with your community organizations and those who support inspiring artists.
Questions about the Artistic Challenge? Email: sovereign@ofm.wa.gov.
What's HAPPENing in the News
The Washington State Office of Equity mourns alongside the families and loved ones of those killed, injured, and missing in Longview. Yesterday, there was a devastating chemical tank rupture at Longview's Nippon Dynawave Packaging facility, in Southwestern Washington's Cowlitz County.
These workers went to their jobs to provide for their families and their community. We mourn their loss. Our hearts are with the Longview community during this unimaginable time.
Watch Governor Ferguson's Press Conference
 SEATTLE – Today Governor Bob Ferguson announced an executive order supporting women in the workplace experiencing menopause. Executive Order 26-01 directs the Washington State Women’s Commission to work with cabinet agencies to implement appropriate accommodations for people experiencing menopause, as well as create guidance and training resources for state agencies and other public and private employers.
Video of the event is available here, and photos are available here.
In the United States, most women will work during their menopause years. Right now, 38% of working women in Washington are between the ages of 40 and 59 and may be experiencing symptoms of menopause and perimenopause, including insomnia, brain fog and hot flashes. Without support, these symptoms can disrupt work, limit career growth and affect long-term financial security.
The Mayo Clinic estimates productivity losses due to menopausal symptoms total approximately $1.8 billion nationwide. Two in five women considered leaving their job or did leave a job due to menopausal symptoms, and one in four considered not pursuing or did not pursue a leadership opportunity as a result, according to the Society for Women's Health Research.
“We are losing women in the workforce with tremendous knowledge and experience because we are not doing enough to prepare for a natural stage of life,” Governor Ferguson said. “As governor, my Administration will be a place where the best, most experienced workers can come serve the people of Washington, and know that they will be supported. We must do more to support women, and to support employers who want to keep their experienced staff in the workforce. This Executive Order ensures Washington will remain a leader in supporting our workers.”
The order directs the Washington State Women’s Commission to work with state agencies to review and strengthen existing policies and practices related to menopause and perimenopause accommodations. Recommendations will include practical, common-sense measures like telework options, flexible dress codes and access to cold water and temperature control.
The order also directs the Women’s Commission to work with the Department of Health, the Health Care Authority and the Bree Collaborative to draft guidance and training resources on menopause and perimenopause accommodations for state agencies and other public and private employers.
The Commission will ensure agencies’ management and employees are trained on their rights and responsibilities.
“Menopause has been invisible in workplace policy for too long,” said WSWC Executive Director Brittany Gregory. “These are not burdensome changes; they are smart workforce policy that ensure experienced workers can stay, grow and lead.”
Perimenopause and menopause in the United States
In the United States, 90 percent of women age 35-plus experience menopausal symptoms, some of which can be debilitating and interfere with work and other day-to-day activities, according to a national survey by AARP. Perimenopause can begin as early as a woman’s 30s.
Research indicates that Black, Asian and Latina women tend to enter menopause earlier than white women. Studies also show that women living in rural areas are more likely to reach menopause earlier than women living in urban areas.
Cultural Events & Activities
The 2026 DEI Empowerment Conference kicks off next week on June 3rd and continues through June 4th, June 10th, and June 11th. Join us!
Conference Theme
The 2026 DEI Empowerment Conference theme is Belonging and Home: Exploring Equity Through Location and Migration. How does location and mobility intersect with equity? How can we build environments where everyone can thrive – no matter where home is or where you’ve been?
 June 3 is WIN’s annual Immigrant Heritage Month celebration.
When: June 3,2026 - 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Department of Labor and Industries, 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501.
Experience presentations, food, music, and performances from various immigrant cultures.
Questions: win@ofm.wa.gov.
This year's theme: “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.
 2026 State Pride Flag Raising
Join Governor Ferguson, the Washington State LGBTQ Commission, and RAIN as we raise the intersex-inclusive progress pride flag at the Capitol Campus! Hear from various 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied leaders across state government and welcome in pride season! Can't come in person? Watch live or later on TVW!
📅Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 🕝Time: 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM 🏳️🌈Flag Raising: Flag circle between Legislative Building and Temple of Justice 🗺️Location: Washington State Capitol Campus, 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia WA
RAIN Leadership Opportunity: Interim Administrative Liaison Needed!
There is an opening for an interim co-Administrative Liaison for RAIN! The admin liaisons prepare agendas, help run the General Membership meetings, send out communications (like this email!), and more! If that interests you, please reach out to RAIN@ofm.wa.gov.
Note: This is an interim position that runs through the end of December 2026. There will be regular elections for a permanent position for next year.
 Wednesday, June 3, 2026
9—4 p.m.
The Community Summit is pleased to announce that State Representative Jamila Taylor will be joining DSHS Secretary Angela Ramirez and DSHS DDA Interim Assistant Secretary Dana Phelps for the Community Summit Opening Keynote address. Representative Taylor represents the 30th Legislative District and chairs the Developmental Disabilities Advocacy Caucus.
There is still time to register! For complete schedule and speaker information, and to register please visit the Community Summit website
 FLAG RAISING AT THE CAPITOL
Monday, June 15 · 12:00 – 12:30 PM
Capitol Flagpole, 416 Sid Snyder Avenue SW, Olympia WA 98504
 While you are here, a reminder that Juneteenth registration is still open. Two ways to celebrate with BUILD this June:
Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration
Wednesday, June 17 · 1:00 – 4:00 PM
LNI Headquarters, 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501
Expect an afternoon of reflection, joy, culture, and connection — the kind of gathering BUILD does best.
Register here: https://forms.office.com/g/y2EPxttGVy
Spots are limited. Don’t wait.
Respect, Acceptance, and Dignity of Persons with Disabilities (RADD) Awards - July 22 11:00-1:30
The DIN Disability Inclusion Awards are awarded to state agencies, higher education institutions, divisions, managers, teams and/or individuals working in state employment that have shown exemplary leadership in Disability Inclusion. DIN’s 5th Annual RADD Awards Ceremony will be held Via Zoom July 22, 2026 11:00AM - 1:30 PM ASL and CART provided For any additional accommodations please contact DINawards@ofm.wa.gov
Volunteers needed now for the RADD Selection Committee:
Help us recognize outstanding contributions to disability access and inclusion in state workplaces! •10-15 hour time commitment total. •Score the nominations via a rubric.
Contact Sarah.Norton@dol.wa.gov to volunteer and/or for accommodations.
The 5th Annual DIN RADD Awards nominations are open.
The nomination deadline has been extended to June 10, 2026!
You do not need to be a DIN member to submit a RADD awards nomination, nor to be nominated for an award!
General Information:
You can submit as many nominations as you like. Please be sure to fill out a new nomination form each time. If you have any questions or need help submitting a nomination, please send an email to the dinawards@ofm.wa.gov inbox.
There are three ways to submit a nomination:
- You can write a traditional long essay nomination.
- You can write a short answer for each of the criteria for an award.
- You can submit a nomination during a brief phone or video call with a member of DIN Leadership.
There are two ways to submit a nomination or a request to submit with a member of DIN Leadership:
To fill out a nomination in a Word document:
- The Word document links are located below for the different ways you can submit a nomination for each of the five award categories. The first link is to request a phone or video call with a member of DIN leadership.
- Select the link for the nomination method and award category you would like to fill out and submit.
- Each form has instructions on how to submit the nomination to the dinawards@ofm.wa.gov
Word Nomination Document Links - Selecting these links will allow you to save the file to your own computer: 2026 RADD Nomination by Phone or Video
2026 RADD Nomination by Traditional Essay
2026 RADD Nomination Using Criteria
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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