David presents- Real Talk with CHA: Empowering Gen Z Through Candid Conversations 

CHA is excited to announce the launch of our new Instagram and TikTok series, Real Talk with CHA, premiering April 7. This monthly 1–2 minute video series connects with Gen Z through authentic, engaging dialogue on pressing community issues.

Each episode will explore timely topics—from the rise in hate speech and community leadership challenges to budget impacts, economic hardships, voter education for the 2026 elections, civic engagement, evolving Latino identity, financial aid and higher education hurdles, housing affordability, and digital misinformation, to mental health.

Make sure to follow us on Instagram and TikTok! 

See you soon!

David M. Administrative Assistant

The Community Development Officers (CDOs) have been working diligently to promote the Rapid Response Hub, which provides critical support to our community.

We've also launched the Rapid Response Hub Video Campaign, which you can find via our social media platforms. The aim for the campaign is to help our community members navigate the Hubs. Our efforts include sharing updates via email, social media, community meetings, and through our many partners.

One of our most impactful events I attended in March was Latino Legislative Day, led by the Latino Civic Alliance. This event took place March 10, and it had an impressive turnout of over 700 people. The energy, motivation, and culture was palpable through beautiful performances by the Mariachi of Mount Vernon and Folklorico dancers, which brought the vibrant Latino culture to life. The keynote address was delivered by Representative Lillian Ortiz, and we were honored to witness Senator Rebecca Saldaña receive the prestigious 2025 Latino Civic Award for her outstanding dedication to serving Washington’s communities. Additionally, we heard empowering speeches from Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, Senators Javier Valdez and Bill Ramos, Representatives Adrian Cortes, Tina Orwall, and Edwins Obras as well as many other influential leaders.

The event was attended by passionate students who expressed their voices through powerful posters bearing messages like "My voice matters," "Keep families together," "Somos Fuertes," and "We are immigrants, not criminals.” Their words and presence were a testament to the resilience and unity of our community.

Looking Ahead:

CHA remains committed to offering resources and programs opportunities offered by NGOs that foster empowerment, growth, and opportunity. We are proud of the work we've done and look forward to even more collaboration with organizations like SkillSource, community leaders, and all of you.

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We look forward to the work ahead and to continuing to serve our vibrant community.

Warm regards,

Esmeralda G. Community Development Officer

We're getting close to the end of the 2025 legislative session! March 12th marked the cut-off date for the house of origin. If you've been following our social media, you're probably already aware of this! If you haven't, no worries- check us out on our Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok @somoscha. We'll be sharing updates on the policy committee cut-off, fiscal committee cut-off, opposite house cut-off, and Sine Die! 

                                                                            Cynthia T. Chief of Operations and Policy 

This month, I’m shining a spotlight on SkillSource, a nonprofit organization based in Wenatchee, which has been recognized as the Non-Profit of the Year by the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce. I had the pleasure of attending the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce Banquet, where I had the opportunity to connect with local community leaders, including Mayra Garcia from SkillSource.

SkillSource serves the North Central Workforce Development Area, which includes Adams, Chelan, Douglas, Grant, and Okanogan counties. Their mission is to empower workers and businesses to thrive. SkillSource partners with industry, education, and one-stop partners to ensure workers have access to a wide range of career and educational opportunities. They also focus on helping small businesses and the BIPOC community grow and succeed.

One of the standout programs they offer is financial support for businesses and employees to participate in training courses. For small businesses with fewer than 50 employees, SkillSource can cover up to 90% of training costs if specific requirements are met. The Washington State Commerce Department has also collaborated with SkillSource to provide funding for the Community Reinvestment Fund, helping small business owners access essential resources and support.

In addition, SkillSource has created invaluable programs like Empresarios en Acción, a series of training courses designed to assist and support local businesses. These courses foster growth, connect Hispanic entrepreneurs with resources, and offer guidance in areas such as business planning and expansion. Conexión is another initiative that helps strengthen the local business network by providing a space for business owners to share insights, connect with peers, and engage with community leaders.

SkillSource also offers Café Conexión in Othello, WA, specifically aimed at business owners in Adams County. These meetings are conducted in Spanish and focus on providing the resources and training that business owners need. The group tailors the content to their needs, which can include QuickBooks training, business plan development, or guidance on how to grow their businesses.

Moreover, SkillSource supports individuals who are transitioning to new careers, helping them access training, resume writing services, and job placement opportunities. They also partner with programs like CAMP and TRIO, offering internships, job placements with above-minimum wages, and other career advancement opportunities.

SkillSource has made an incredible impact on the Wenatchee community, assisting small business owners, students seeking internships, and those transitioning into new careers. Their efforts have truly created positive change and opportunities for many residents of Washington State.

Attendees can anticipate an enriching experience where professionals from both small and large businesses will converge, fostering connections, gaining valuable insights, and cultivating relationships. Guest speakers including DOE officials and local industry leaders will present concepts important to small business development; past topics have included “How to Write a Winning Proposal” and “DOE Strategic Sourcing Agreements”. Our overarching goal is to pave the way for increased procurement and diverse business opportunities for small and large enterprises.

• Location: Three Rivers Convention Center in Kennewick, WA
• Date: Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 7:30am to Thursday, April 10, 2025 - 5:00pm
• Organizer Name: Tri-Cities Regional Chamber

Register here

WSDOT and Pac Trans once again will be hosting a 6 day/5-night camp this summer.

Washington State University in Pullman June 22-27 and the University of Washington Seattle, August 3^rd – 8^th.   The application deadline is March 31^st.

The WSDOT Blog - Washington State Department of Transportation: Applications are being accepted for FREE overnight high school transportation camps this summer

Application link  2025 Washington Transportation Camp Application

In Washington state, K–12 public school graduates are required to have a High School and Beyond Plan (HSBP) in order to earn a diploma. The plan, which students begin in the 7th grade, is designed to help connect students’ career interests with their classes, and their classes with career training or college majors. 

Following a request by State Superintendent Chris Reykdal, the 2023 Legislature directed OSPI to facilitate a transition to a universal online HSBP platform. Today, the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is announcing the launch of that transition. 

Across the state, school districts have been using over a dozen different HSBP platforms, and the platforms vary broadly in the kinds of tools and resources that they offer students, families, and schools. Further, because of differences in the functionality of different platforms, a student's HSBP may not follow them if they move.  Read more.