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2024 was lightning year! Governor Inslee, during his State of the State address in January, challenged the state agencies to “run through the tape,” and that’s just what we have done. I am really proud of the team we have formed at the Commission. With impending changes at the state and federal level, we are ready to field the changes that come our way with our strong commitment to our community. Let’s listen to what my teammate Cynthia has recapped for the agency this last year.
María Sigüenza, Executive Director
What a transformative year it has been for CHA and for me personally! I am truly grateful for the opportunity to be promoted from operations and special projects manager to chief of operations and policy. This new position has not only propelled my growth in the world of policy but has also let me contribute to our legislative campaign, and meaningfully participate and advise workgroups. I've created engaging videos on how to participate in the legislative session, navigate the intricacies of the legislative process, locate districts, and discover exciting ways to get involved.
CHA partnered with the UW Latine American and Caribbean studies research group to produce compelling findings showcased at the undergraduate research symposium. This research investigates the challenging and opportunities of support and community for Latine students at UW. By conducting in-depth interviews and surveys with Latine students and faculty, the study powerfully illustrates how crucial representation is to students' well being, academic success, and sense of belonging.
This past spring, I had the privilege of mentoring an inspiring young Latina from the Yakima Valley. She identified a pressing need for more in-person events in her community, specifically focused on the FAFSA and WASFA, especially with this year's new FAFSA. Her event, titled, "Educacion sin Fronteras," aimed to offer valuable information and resources on financial in both Spanish and English. Read more about her project here.
To close off, I want to acknowledge the many changes happening at local, state, and federal levels. I encourage everyone to take some time for themselves over the next month- whether it's going for a walk, snuggling with your furry friends, diving into a good book, or even trying out a new fitness class. With the legislative session kicking off on January 13, 2025, keep in mind the importance of actively using your voice, sharing your stories, and participating in the legislative process.
Looking forward to catching up next year,
Cynthia
Seb Genge
Environmental Planner
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Born in Massachusetts to a Colombian-American family, Seb has spent most of his life abroad, including 12 years in Bolivia and Chile, before moving to Washington in 2019.
He holds a degree in Business and Sustainability from Western Washington University, where he served in student government as the Vice President for Sustainability, leading initiatives to advance environmental justice on campus.
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Driven by a commitment to lowering barriers for underserved communities and protecting the environment, Seb has worked in university admissions and with the Department of Ecology. At CHA, Seb unites this vision by supporting the adoption of EPA Safer Choice products among Latino households in Central Washington.
Seb lives in Olympia with his partner and enjoys reading, going on walks, and drinking great coffee.
David Melgoza
Administrative Assistant
David Melgoza is a recent graduate of the University of Washington, where he earned degrees in Business Administration and Law, Societies, and Justice.
As president of the Latine Student Union at the UW, David led efforts to foster a supportive community for Latine students and spearheaded initiatives that promoted social justice and equity. He has a strong background in advocacy, research, and diversity work, with a focus on addressing systemic inequities and elevating underserved voices.
His passion for creating opportunities for marginalized groups fuels his commitment to making a lasting impact in his community.
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Start your higher education savings account today with as little as $25! Enroll between Nov 1 - May 31, 2025 to purchase GET units at the 2024-25 purchase price. The unit purchase price is $123.76 – the same as the current payout value. This creates a unique opportunity for GET savers to literally purchase tomorrow’s tuition at today’s price. That means instant value for you when you enroll in GET and start saving now. Read more.
College Success Foundation envisions a world in which a college degree is attainable for all. The cost of higher education makes it less accessible to some students, so CSF administers several scholarships within Washington state.
We are now accepting applications for these scholarships. Read on to learn more about who’s eligible, how to apply and when materials are due.
Read more.
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All cases were poultry workers exposed to infected birds, no evidence of human-to-human transmission
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that two people who had presumptive positive tests run by WA-DOH earlier in the week have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) after an outbreak at a commercial poultry farm in Franklin County (WA). Confirmatory test results on other samples are pending.
WA-DOH, Benton-Franklin Heath District (BFHD), and CDC have staff on site who are investigating exposures to workers and testing workers. Testing initially occurs at the Washington State Public Health Laboratory. Any presumptive positive test samples at the State Public Health Laboratory are sent to CDC for confirmation. Until CDC provides this confirmation of a positive result, it is considered presumptive positive.
There is no evidence of human-to-human transmission at this time. All the identified infections are among workers who had contact with infected birds or their environments. No patients have experienced severe illness or been hospitalized.
WA-DOH, BFHD, and additional partners are providing personal protective equipment (PPE), outreach and education for the workers, and the community. Medications for exposed workers, and seasonal influenza vaccines are also being offered to workers. Read more.
Are you excited about technology or anything digital? Do you want to advocate for your community and promote equality?
We invite you to apply for the Digital Equity Forum (DEF), a council whose input will help shape policies and programs aimed at promoting access to digital technologies and resources for all Washingtonians. Digital equity means making sure everyone has fair and equal access to technology, including the internet, devices, and the skills to use them. As our world becomes more digital, it’s important for us to work together to close the gaps that prevent people from fully participating in society such as accessing health resources, pursuing civic engagement, and accessing education and job opportunities.
We are inviting passionate individuals with diverse life experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds to apply for DEF. We believe that every unique voice matters! Read more.
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 10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty
After three years working collaboratively to implement the 10-Year Plan to Dismantle Poverty, the Washington Economic Justice Alliance is proud to share our Impact Report, highlighting the 270+ actions taken by Alliance partners to reduce poverty and increase economic opportunity in Washington state.
We have deep gratitude to all of the partners working to implement the 10-Year Plan since its release in January of 2021. Now, we look forward to doubling down on our vision for a future in which every Washingtonian can meet their basic needs, fully contribute their talents, and pass well-being on to future generations. Read more.
Pursue Justice: Be the Jury
February 15 – 17, 2025 • Olympia, WA
Event website
What is KYG and Why Do We Have It?
Know Your Government (KYG) is a civic education program with a four-year rotating topic: The Legislative System, The Judicial System, Elections and Party Platforms, and Politics and the Media. It is important to remember though, that KYG is much more than learning about how the Legislative process works. In fact, one could argue that it is little about that.
KYG and 4-H are about learning the life skills our delegates will need to be responsible citizens and productive adults. Read more.
Statewide Conference
Purpose: To bring high school students from across the state to share ideas, concerns, and potential solutions to problems; to learn about Washington State government and how to become a positive contributing citizen; and to strengthen the connection between youth and our political and social networks through education, experience, application, and inspiration.
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The Washington State Legislature has one of the finest page programs in the country. Each year, hundreds of students from across Washington State have the opportunity to take part in the legislative process and observe the Legislature and other branches of state government in action.
Pages are sponsored by legislators and serve for one week during the legislative session, which runs January-April in odd numbered years and January-March in even numbered years. Pages spend their week learning about the legislative process while distributing materials throughout the Capitol Campus, assisting offices, delivering messages, working on the Senate Floor, and presenting the colors at the opening of the day's legislative session. Pages also spend time each day in Page School learning about all aspects of state government.
It is an honor to be selected as a Senate page. If you are selected, you can look forward to a fun and educational experience that immerses you in the legislative process!
What is it like serving as a Senate Page for the day? Check out this video to find out!
Final deadline is March 27, 2025 or when slots are filled
Apply here.
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