State Sen. Steve Hobbs was sworn in on Nov. 22 as Washington’s 16th secretary of state—the first Asian American and person of color to serve in this role. He replaces Kim Wyman, who resigned mid-term to join the Department of Homeland Security’s Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Hobbs pledged to continue enhancing the integrity of […]

On Nov. 17, ICHS President and CEO Teresita Batayola announced her intention to retire in December 2022. Batayola has served at ICHS since 2004 and oversaw its growth from two neighborhood clinics to a regional health care network of 11 service sites. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she guided ICHS through the establishment of drive-through testing […]

The Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)’s 30th Anniversary Virtual Gala & Auction raised $402,000 for its Tiny House villages, urban rest stops, supportive services, and volunteer programs. The online event ran from Nov. 1–15. There were 55 gala sponsors, silent auction items, and a “raise the paddle” event that brought in donations and sponsorships. An […]

Yen Nguyen, a housekeeper at Motif Seattle, received a $500 cash prize earlier this month as part of the 2021 Cintas S.H.I.N.E. (Star Housekeepers In a New Era) Award. Nguyen began at Motif Seattle as a Housekeeping Room Attendant, was promoted to Housekeeping Supervisor soon after, and is now Assistant Housekeeping Manager. She was Colleague […]

Karen Tei Yamashita was awarded the 2021 Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters by the National Book Foundation on Nov. 17. Yamashita is the 34th recipient of the award since it was created in 1988. Past recipients include Joan Toni Morrison, Maxine Hong Kingston, and Stephen King. In her acceptance speech, Yamashita said the […]