​CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
The 2022 Statewide DEI Summit Planning Committee needs your help to host a successful event. We know that many employees across the state are passionate about the summit and would like to contribute. We specifically need your help in moderating DEI Summit sessions. As a moderator, you will play an important role in ensuring that the conference is a success by attending various sessions, and helping the presenters and participants have a great experience.

​Qualifications

• Comfortable speaking publicly in front of large audiences
• Comfortable being seen and leading a zoom meeting 
• Familiarity with Zoom webinar functions

​Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968), was a man of great integrity, values, and principles. If alive today, Reverend Dr. King would be 92 years old. Leading the effort toward social justice and equality, Reverend Dr. King’s impact went beyond his local community to inspire change in America and the world. In 1964, he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

BUILD was present to witness the unveiling of the George Bush monument at the Capitol Campus on November 19. Though cold and overcast, dozens watched as remarks were given by members of the Washington State Historical Society, Representative Debra Entenman, and former Representative Eric Pettigrew.

Read about WSHS’ efforts to highlight Black history in Washington State
Read the WSHS press release about the George Bush monument
Read more about the monument on the DES website

BUILD was present to live stream the event on Facebook 

Take a moment to remember our 2020-2021 leadership.
​Thank you to Edwina Martin-Arnold for taking over for Phil White!

BUILD's new Chair is Sascha Nixon (left) and Co-Chair is Tyrone Jordan-Oliver (right)

Executive Assistants are La-Sandra Jones-Owens (left) and Yeni Castaneto (right)

BUILD HONORS AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMEN IN PUBLIC SERVICE AND GOVERNMENT

March is Women’s History Month. The National Women’s History Alliance selects and publishes the yearly theme, and this year it is the same as last year: “Valiant Women of the Vote.” It is appropriate to carry this theme forward considering the historic role Black women played in the recent elections. This includes the election of Kamala Harris.  Harris is the first Black woman, the first Indian-American woman, the first person of Asian-American descent, and the first graduate of a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to be sworn in as the Vice President of the United States. As she said in her acceptance speech, “(she) may be the first, but (she) will not be the last.”

Thank you our members who submitted photos highlighting the milestones and influential people in your life during Black History Month! Claude Burfect (pictured below) has been steadfast, unmovable, and always abounding in the work for a long, long time. That’s why he is a Black History inspiration to member Kevin Allen!