My name is Esmeralda Garibay, and I am from Wenatchee, Washington. As the eldest among my three siblings, I have always felt a strong sense of responsibility. I take pride in being a graduate of Eastern Washington University, where I earned both my bachelor's degree in Children Studies and my master's degree in Public Administration.
As a first generation Latina, my journey has been shaped by unique experiences that have fueled my determination. This has created opportunities to create spaces for authentic conversations with fellow Latinas, to support, applaued and share space together. I am passionate about providing a space for these conversations and breaking the silence on important issues.
It is truly an honor to be a part of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs team. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my goals in the development of public policy and the improvement of government services for the Hispanic community. I am excited to contribute my skills and dedication to making a positive impact on the Hispanic community.
Recently, I have been traveling around Washington State, immersing myself in the community and meeting amazing people. This experience has allowed me to connect with the community, providing me with the opportunity to listen to their perspectives and understand the gaps in their areas.
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CHA's 2024 Trello Board is now live with our priority legislative watch list. In our Trello Board you will find bills that are separated in Committee, updates on bills, upcoming dates on hearings and more. Head to cha.wa.gov hover over Legislative Work and click on Legislative Priorities to check it out.
Make Yourself the Expert
Before you address an issue, ask some questions so you can understand the whole issue: who it affects, what others feel about it, how it will influence future trends, and any other information you are able to gather. This initial research allows you to present your viewpoint with confidence and credibility, and, combined with your personal experience, is the most effective information you can provide.
Each year, LYAC seeks passionate youth to represent their peers in the state legislature. Annually, the council holds an annual youth Action Day in Olympia to provide an opportunity for students throughout the state to meet community leaders, participate in policy discussions, and to facilitate direct meetings between youth and legislators. We meet frequently in committees and monthly as a whole council. The council also meets up to six times in person each year. As a council member, you will have the opportunity to advocate for important policy issues on behalf of all young people in Washington, directly engage with the state government by lobbying legislators and testifying before the State Legislature, plan and organize events, and make a difference.
All prospective candidates must meet the following qualifications to be a successful applicant:
- Currently be in grades 7 - 10
- Reside and attend school in the State of Washington
- Have a teacher, counselor, or community leader submit a letter of recommendation (Optional, but strongly recommended)
- Have the consent of a parent or guardian to participate
- Complete the application by the deadline
Applications to join LYAC are accepted during the annual application period.
Candidates must submit the application and any supplementary materials by April 30th, 2024 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time to be considered for the Y26 Council.
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OMWBE is launching a new program for businesses seeking work on public works contracts. Public Works Small Business Enterprise (PWSBE) certification will be available to certified businesses in March 2024. This program is race- and gender-neutral, and will use the same criteria for economic disadvantage as our State Certification program.
Last year, Senate Bill 5268 was signed into law - Addressing equity and efficiencies in public works procurement including modifying small works roster requirements - which has broader implications beyond PWSBE Certification. OMWBE is working closely with several partner agencies to implement these changes. Read more.
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  About the program
Researchers at the University of Washington are developing a program to support family members of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. They are interested in speaking with Latinos that are caring for individuals experiencing behavior issues such as trying to leave the house, arguing, or refusing to bathe or get dressed. Research is always voluntary.
Eligibility
- Identify as Hispanic/Latino
- Take care of a family member or close friend diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia •
- Family member or close friend is experiencing behavior issues
What to Expect
You will need to complete the 7 week program, online surveys, and a 1 hour interview at a location that is convenient for you.
You will receive $40 to thank you for your time and effort.
UW Study Contact:
Dr. Maggie Ramirez at maggiera@uw.edu or 206-543-9773
Blood banks urge donors to make appointments to help prevent Code Red emergency
Blood banks and organizations that serve Washington and the Northwest are close to calling a Code Red – a critical supply warning to hospitals and emergency departments that donated blood is running out fast.
A Code Red is declared after four consecutive days of emergency blood levels. It rarely happens due to a single event, but January’s cold weather caused a severe dent in emergency blood supplies beyond the usual donation slowdown during the holidays.
“It's typically something we don't declare more than once every year or two. Conditions need to come together like a ‘perfect storm’ in order to really jeopardize the blood supply,” said John Yeager, senior media content strategist at Bloodworks Northwest in Seattle.
Jennifer Hawkins, regional director of Vitalant in Spokane, said in seasonal terms, the holiday lull was not much different than in previous years. What makes the situation different now is that the cold weather and icy conditions make it harder for donors to make their appointments. “We have canceled most of our mobile blood drives due to extremely low temperatures, snow, and ice and closures around the Inland Northwest,” she said. “But patient need doesn’t go on a holiday, and we no longer have reserves to ride through the slow times.” Read more.
A family of four making up to $120,500 may be eligible for aid.
Financial aid applications for this year’s graduating seniors are now available, although students and families should expect some technical issues for the time being. And it will take longer than usual for colleges to get and process applications and respond with financial aid awards.
Applications were delayed this year as updates were made to improve the FAFSA and WASFA forms and increase aid eligibility. In Washington, there are two ways to apply for financial aid. You should only complete one application—the FAFSA or the WASFA
Read more
The Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) is pleased to announce the 2024 Request for Letters of Interest (LOI) to fund up to six partnerships that are innovatively engaging with their local community to drive change in their region.
Applications are due by February 16th at 11:59 p.m. PT. Information sessions will be held on January 17th and February 8th. Read more.
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 Working Families Tax Credit
February 1 marks our program’s second year!
Applications for the Working Families Tax Credit are open. We had a successful first year, but we have even bigger goals for year 2! Many eligible individuals did not apply last year for different reasons, one of them being the newness of the program. In 2024, we have increased our outreach efforts and partnered with community organizations around the state to bring news about WFTC. We want to make sure every eligible family has a chance to apply.
Know somebody that may qualify for a refund or want to check if you qualify? Use our quick Eligibility Assistant.
Need help with your WFTC application?
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The State of Washington, Department of Social and Health Services DSHS welcomes compassionate, dedicated people like you to embark on a journey of growth and impact.
This opportunity is available to qualified applicants currently enrolled at an accredited postsecondary college, university, or specialized technical or trade school. The application process is open now and expires March 3rd, 2024. Learn more and apply!
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After a safety & health investigation, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has cited and fined the company he worked for in connection with the incident.
Rotschy LLC, the Vancouver, Wash. construction company that sent him to operate the machine without supervision or adequate safety measures is facing more than $150,000 in fines.
Minors using prohibited equipment on the job
The young worker was participating in a work-based learning program that allows students to earn credit and gain experience working outside the classroom. Washington’s youth employment laws identify prohibited duties for workers under 18 years old. Rotschy had a student learner exemption permitting minors to do some work that is otherwise prohibited, but use of the walk-behind trencher was not part of the exemption.
In the aftermath of the incident, L&I issued an order of immediate restraint to stop work and suspended the student learner exemption. Read more.
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