Leadership

Roy Salonga is currently Human Resources Supervisor at Washington State Department of Transportation. He also worked for Department of Corrections and Department of Enterprise Services as Senior Human Resources Consultant. Roy graduated in Washington State University in Vancouver, Washington in May 2014 where he obtained his bachelor's degree in Personnel Psychology/Human Resources Management. Roy have held various entry level jobs when he moved to the United States in July of 2008. He worked as a housekeeper, dishwasher, prep cook, and production assembly line worker over the course of three years. In February of 2015, Roy was naturalized as a US citizen.

Roy was born and raised in San Fernando, Pampanga, Philippines. He has a twin sister and two older brothers. Roy with his father, twin sister, and older brother migrated to Vancouver, Washington in July of 2008. The reason why they moved to the United States was to have a better life and help support their families back home.

Roy got married to his college girlfriend, Heather on July 7, 2024. They have been together for 10 years and they have a 7-year-old son name Nico. On their spare time, they love to sit in the couch where they watch anime. Roy also enjoys weightlifting, hiking, playing ping pong and badminton.

Area of Professional Expertise: Human Resources

Ethnic Background: First generation Filipino immigrant

Language(s) Spoken: English, Tagalog, and Kapampangan(native Filipino language)

Pronouns: she/her

My name is Rokaih Vansot. I was born in Cambodia during the Khmer Rough Regime. In 1980, my parents fled their homeland and came to the United States in search of religious freedom and opportunities for their children. Their struggles have taught me that there are many opportunities in America and the importance of education and seeking knowledge. I am one of the first in my family to achieve a Bachelor’s Degree and to continue my higher education to pursue a Master’s Degree at The Evergreen State College.

Every day, I strive to challenge myself to be the best version of myself and that’s what inspires me to volunteer and participate in community events.  I am currently employed at the Washington State Department of Transportation as a Senior Human Resources Consultant in the HQ HR Employee Relations Office. I am married to Yusos Osman and have two beautiful children, Tasneem and Audil. I love spending time with my family. I enjoy camping and outdoor activities. 

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Human Resources

Ethnic Background: Asian

Language(s) Spoken: English, Cambodian

Teddy Dianah Kemirembe, She/Her pronouns: Born and raised in Uganda, Teddy comes from a walk of humble beginnings.

Teddy’s story is long but in short here is the version: Teddy has a master's in social work (MSW) from Columbia University School of Social Work. She has a passion in Diversity, Equity and Inclusion hence has attained Certificate of Diversity Profession (CDP) and Certificate of Diversity Executive(CDE) from the Institute of Diversity Center (IDC).

Teddy has over twenty years in Social Work, working primarily with children and families and has tremendous experience in child welfare, working with children affected by developmental disabilities, and over 7 years working in emergency rooms as a social worker assisting patients with mental health and homelessness.

Teddy currently works with the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA) under DSHS as their Community Engagement and Client connection administrator. She is a mother of two beautiful girls, 12 years and 8 years both with special needs. Her 12-year-old daughter is diagnosed with Autism and her 8-year-old daughter is diagnosed with Rett Syndrome.

Teddy loves drumming, gardening, and watching movies in her free time.

Amel Aouam Alsalman emigrated from Tunisia (North Africa) in 2016 and joined the Washington State Patrol as a procurement specialist in 2017. She currently works as a Procurement Program Manager with the Department of Health and Social Services. Amel has worked for almost 19 years in the private sector, leading and managing local and international projects.

Amel obtained her bachelor's degree in economics and her master's degree in macroeconomics at the University of Economics and Management of Tunis. Amel also holds a master's degree in business administration from the Mediterranean School of Business (MSB) in Tunis.

Amel has been a member of the Rotary Club since 2011 and is currently the Treasurer of her club, Olympia Capital Centennial, which is dedicated to community service with an emphasis on children's education and diversity. Amel was a volunteer at the Food Bank, Washington Performance Center, United Way of Thurston County, and an active member of the WA chapter of the National Institute of Public Procurement.

Amel is married, and in her spare time, she enjoys photography, hiking, dancing, and travel.

Mabuhay! I’m Mariel Amundsen, currently serving as an Administrative Assistant at the Washington State Employment Security Department, specifically in the Employment Connections division. My educational journey led me to Southern New Hampshire University, where I earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a minor in Business Administration, focusing on HR Management. Transitioning from the private sector, I joined ESD in May 2022, bringing my passion for service and support. Currently, I co-chair the FOPINHA (Family of Pacific Islander, Native Hawaiian, and Asian) Employee Resource Group, having previously served as Communication Liaison and Secretary since June 2022.

My roots trace back to Manila, Philippines, where I was born and raised. At the age of 18, just two weeks shy of that milestone, I embarked on a life-changing journey to the United States. Ah, America—the land of opportunities, Hollywood glamour, and mouthwatering burgers. It’s no surprise that countless Filipinos dream of crossing oceans to step onto this promising soil. For generations, we’ve sought opportunities abroad, and the US remains a beacon. Our contributions span diverse fields—from nursing and teaching to engineering and the arts. Yet, let’s be honest: navigating US immigration can be as bewildering as deciphering why jeepneys boast both raucous horns and eye-catching designs.

In the grand tapestry of life, my journey from Manila to the United States has woven threads of resilience, hope, and growth. As I continue to embrace the challenges and opportunities that unfold, I find solace in knowing that my story—like that of countless others—adds vibrancy to the diverse fabric of America. So, here’s to the next chapter, where dreams persist, connections deepen, and the promise of tomorrow beckons. What an opportunity!

My name is Le (Ivy) Huynh. I'm currently a senior Budget Analyst at the Department of Enterprise Services (DES). I started my State career with the Department of General Administration (GA) back in 2008 while I was in school to obtain my 2nd degree. Later, I also worked with the Department of Information Services (former WaTech), Liquor Control Board then came back to DES in 2012 when GA, DIS and other 3 agencies merged into DES. During my state career, I have held several roles in the agencies' Finance offices with the focus in accounting, finance and budgeting. Prior to my career with the State, I managed a restaurant in downtown Olympia for my in laws.

I have a bachelor degree in Economics major in Hotel Management from Van Lang university (Vietnam) and an Associate in Business degree focus in Accounting and Finance from South Puget Sound Community College.

I migrated to the US in 2004. I was also the third generation of immigrant in Vietnam as my grandparents also migrated to Vietnam from China and Cambodia during WW2. So life in US as an immigrant is not really new to me 😊 and I consider myself lucky as I can see and experience things under so many different perspectives.

I live in Lacey with my husband, my son (10) and my daughter (12). In my free time, I love to travel with my families, cooking, singing, meeting new friends, spending time outdoor doing activities such as hiking, camping, etc.

I speak Vietnamese, Cantonese Chinese, Mandarin Chinese, and English.

Christina Pourarien (she/her) is an Information Technology Services Division Executive Operations Manager for the State of Washington Employment Security Department (ESD). After graduating from Central Washington University, she began her state service career in 1999 at the Washington State Lottery. She has worked at General Administration (currently known as Department of Enterprise Services), Department of Retirement Systems, The Evergreen State College, Department of Social Health and Services, Department of Licensing and Labor & Industries before joining ESD in January of 2022. She currently serves as the co-chair of the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Employee Resource Group at ESD.

Christina was born in Great Falls, Montana moved to South Korean with her family when she was six months old, and returned to the United States as a young child in the early 1980s. Her father proudly served in the US Air Force and her mother is originally from Korea. She attended public school in the North Thurston School District in Lacey, Washington. She had the privileged to be the first one in her family to receive a formal college education from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She and her husband Cody have a teenage daughter, Sima.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise:
Human Resources, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Classification and Compensation, Recruitment, Coaching, Career Planning, Facilitation, Organization Change Management, and Conflict Resolutions

Ethnic Background:
Multi-racial – Child of first generation Korean immigrant parent.

Language(s) Spoken:
English, and conversational Korean