This event is hosted by the Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network

Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Day 2026 is not just an event; it’s a celebration of community power, resilience, and solidarity. Every year, we come together from across Washington State to make our voices heard and demand change at the Capitol. This is a day where we show the power of our communities, advocating for the policies that matter most to immigrant and refugee families.

Join us in Olympia on Thursday, Jan. 22, 2026.

Register by Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2026.

You're invited to our first WIN General Membership Meeting of the New Year!

We're excited to welcome Karima and Rand, founders of Relume, who will share the inspiring story behind their organization. Relume is built on the belief that no refugee should be overlooked and works to create meaningful career and leadership pathways that honor resilience, restore dignity, and relight hope. Learn more about Relume and their mission.

We'll also hear from Jean Paul (Office of Equity) and Nadia Damchii (DSHS), who will present updates on the "Improving Immigrant State Employee Experience in Washington" survey. Attendees will be invited to share feedback and help shape future efforts.

General Membership meetings are open to all current Washington state employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.

Join our Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 942 7896 2565
Passcode: 638513

General Membership is open to all current Washington State employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.

Click here to Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 942 7896 2565
Passcode: 638513

General Membership is open to all current Washington State employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.

Click here to Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 867 8744 7524
Passcode: 312248

General Membership is open to all current Washington State employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.

Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 867 8744 7524
Passcode: 312248

Curious about the U.S. citizenship journey?
Join us for a meaningful conversation with WIN community members as they share personal experiences navigating the U.S. immigration system—including applying for citizenship, permanent residency, and other milestones along the way. This is not a step-by-step how-to session, but a space to hear real stories, lessons learned, and diverse paths taken. Whether you're considering your own next steps or simply want to better understand what others face, this session offers insight, connection, and community perspective.

Click here to register
 

General Membership is open to all current Washington State employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.

Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 867 8744 7524
Passcode: 312248

General Membership is open to all current Washington State employees, including full-time, part-time, hourly, and salaried employees who are committed to supporting and advancing the mission of WIN.

Click Here to Join Zoom Meeting

Meeting ID: 867 8744 7524
Passcode: 312248

Program Description:  The program focuses on birthright citizenship - a fundamental right often taken for granted yet deeply rooted in legal precedent and history. We will anchor our discussion in the landmark 1898 U.S. Supreme Court case, United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that children born in the United States to immigrant parents are citizens under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
 
Who was Wong Kim Ark and what was his story? Why does his victory before the U.S. Supreme Court matter today? Born in San Francisco, Wong Kim Ark was denied entry to the U.S. after a trip to China. The discussion will start with a brief historical overview of the social and political landscape during Wong Kim Ark’s times, how his plight was litigated and resolved through the court system, and how Executive Order 14160 (signed Jan. 20, 2025) reinterprets and raises questions about what birthright citizenship means today.  This portion will be presented by Judge Andrea Chin, Seattle Municipal Court, Judge Joan Churchill, Immigration Judge (retired) and Lorraine Lee, WIN Founder.  

Then Naghmana Sherazi, Community Outreach Lead for HAPPEN, will moderate a discussion with three phenomenal leaders from our community of state employees: Grace Huang Senior Policy Adviser, Governor’s Policy Office, Nicholas Vann, first Executive Sponsor of HAPPEN, and Representative Janice Zahn, 41st Legislative District, Washington State House of Representatives. The speakers will share their perspectives and reflect on the significance of the Wong Kim Ark decision, the impacts and effects of the current controversies over immigration policies and birthright citizenship on immigrant communities today.
 

View panelist bios here

Click Here to Register

(Download flyer)

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. 

Click Here to Register

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