You Belong Here
WIN strives to expand opportunities for immigrants who are current and future employees within Washington state government. Serve as a resource for all immigrants who are state employees to connect, share, and educate each other and Washington state agencies on the skills, expertise and cultural value of a diverse workforce.
The WIN Mentoring Program was established as a way to retain and support immigrant state employees in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive and advance their careers, as well as recruit new employees from the immigrant community at large.
Our mentors are ready to share their experience with their mentees, whether those mentees are current or prospective state employees.
Meet our Mentors | Become a Mentor | Become a Mentee
Upcoming Events
General Membership meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month from Noon-1pm.
Join us for a powerful workshop on Belonging!
Feeling a sense of belonging at work and in our communities is essential for personal and professional growth. Yet, for many immigrants, this journey comes with unique challenges.
Join us for an engaging Belonging Workshop, where we’ll explore what it truly means to belong, discuss barriers that impact inclusion and share practical strategies to foster a more connected and supportive environment.
Who Should Attend: All team members interested in creating a more inclusive workplace! Expect insightful discussions, real-life experiences, and actionable takeaways to strengthen our community. Let’s build a space where everyone feels valued, heard, and empowered.
Register to Participate: Click Here to Register
Wednesday, April 23, 2025 - 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Hosts: Career & Professional Development Committee
Janet Kiwanuka, Gina O’Neill, Gwen Willis, Laura Villegas & Anastassia Hunte Gardner
We look forward to seeing you there!
Future workshop topics:
1. Cultural Competency
2. Public Speaking
NOTE: Check out our upcoming newsletters and special announcement emails for registration dates for the future workshops
This month is the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, which marked the end of the Vietnam War. It was the start of three waves of Vietnamese immigrants coming to the U.S. since 1975. Speakers will share their immigrant journeys and reflect on the resilience of the Vietnamese American community in Washington state.
- Tam Bui, District Court Judge, Snohomish County. She and her family fled Saigon on April 30, 1975.
- Nam Nguyen, Executive Director, Washington State Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs. Born in Saigon, he came to the U.S. in 1989 as a young child.
- My-Linh Thai, Representative, 41st District, Washington House of Representatives. At the age of 15, she immigrated to as a Vietnamese refugee with her family.
Come hear their stories and reflections on the challenges and successes they have experienced as immigrants.
Who is Wong Kim Ark? What was his story? Why does his victory before the U.S. Supreme Court matter? On March 28, 1898, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution grant birthright citizenship to all persons born in the United States regardless of race or nationality. The court reviewed and decided Wong Kim Ark’s lawsuit based the language of the 14th Amendment.
Come hear what happened to Wong Kim Ark and why the court’s decision from 128 years ago is important now. Judge Andrea Chin, Seattle Municipal Court, and Lorraine Lee, WIN Founder, will present on Wong Kim Ark’s story and why the court’s decision was significant then and now.
Save the date to celebrate!
WIN’s Immigrant Heritage Celebration
June 18
11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
L & I Headquarters, Tumwater
You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Jun 18, 2025 11:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this meeting:
https://ofm-wa-gov.zoom.us/meeting/register/53nkZzlnSliWLoTZ5_U3BA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
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As a foreign born state employee and current HR director of a state agency, I look forward to WIN’s mentorship opportunities.
Claris Nnanabu, LCB