News

A Message from Our Leadership

On behalf of the HAPPEN ELT, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us for our Annual AANHPI Celebration on May 14, 2026.

The event provided a meaningful opportunity for us to come together as a community—to hear from inspiring speakers, share and celebrate our diverse cultures, and enjoy a meal together. This long-awaited gathering brought our members together not only to honor Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage, but also to connect with one… Read more

With more than 30 years of hula experience, Kennly Asato brings a deep passion for Hawaiian culture, tradition, and community connection to everything she does. Originally from Honolulu, Hawai‘i, she has trained under renowned kumu hula including Coline Aiu of Hālau Hula O Maiki, Ed Collier of Hālau O Nā Pua Kukui, Kunewa Mook of Hula Hālau ‘O Kamuela, and Eileen Mumm of Hālau Hokunani. For Kennly, hula is more than dance — it is a meaningful way to honor, preserve, and share her culture with others.

In addition to her cultural leadership, Kennly… Read more

HAPPEN is happy to announce performing for our memberships is Laumua!

Laumua is a proud group of like‑minded community members who have come together to represent the Asian Pacific Islander (API) community in Thurston County. The group officially formed in 2018 after being invited to participate in a high school competition initiated by two API students. In response, community members united to support local youth and help them proudly represent the API community from Lacey.

That competition continues today, encouraging youth who… Read more

HAPPEN is happy to announce performing for our membership is Ponleu RakSmey Khmer Artist!

HAPPEN is proud to announce that Ponleu RakSmey Khmer Artist will be performing for our membership!

Ponleu RakSmey Khmer Artist (Enlightenment Aura Khmer Artist) is a newly formed collective of eight dedicated dancers, supported wholeheartedly by their families and partners. Founded by six passionate artists, the group is committed to preserving and passing on the rich traditions of classical Khmer dance to future generations.

Guided by a… Read more

Join HAPPEN and the WIN business resource groups from noon to 1 p.m. May 20 for a powerful story-centered session on resilience and mental wellness in ANHPI and immigrant communities. The session takes place on Zoom.

Dr. Connie Mom-Chhing, senior director of Community Health Plan of Washington’s regional systems integration, will share her journey as the child of refugees who survived the Cambodian Killing Fields and how it influenced her career in advocating for mental health support for members of the immigrant,… Read more

HAPPEN is happy to announce performing for our membership is Janice Rona!

Janice Rona was a proud and dedicated member of the Philippine Association of Connecticut before relocating in 2017. The Association, committed to preserving our Filipino heritage and values, has presented six unforgettable Filipiniana Night cultural shows since 2009—showcasing the beauty of traditional Filipino dances, music, and cuisine. These celebrations reflect PACI’s mission to promote cultural diversity, educate our younger generations, and uplift our community… Read more

Thanh V. Tran currently serves in DSHS’ Home & Community Living Administration as an equity professional in the role of Strategic Engagement and Access Administrator. He is a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) and one of the inaugural Co‑Chairs of the HAPPEN Business Resource Group.

Over his 10 years in state service, Thanh has contributed his expertise across a wide range of roles, including public benefits specialist, job coach, program manager, PEAR consultant, and Community Engagement & Belonging Administrator. He has also served… Read more

Mary I. Yu was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court by Governor Inslee on May 1, 2014, after serving 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court.  She was elected to a full six-year term on the Supreme Court in 2016 and in 2022. Justice Yu retired from the Supreme Court on December 31, 2025, after twenty-five years of judicial service.

Justice Yu earned a B.A. degree in Theology from Dominican University, a M.A. degree in Religious Studies from Mundelein of Loyola University and her J.D. degree from the University of… Read more

Updated AANHPI Event Flyer

Good morning, HAPPEN membership! We had members reach out to us that our QR codes were not working and we wanted to remedy that so everyone could either register or nominate themselves or someone. Below is the updated flyer please share out to your networks as we are excited to see you in May!

 HAPPEN's General Membership Guest Speakers are Leah Wainman and Pyone Yadanar Paing.

Leah Wainman (she/her) is an Epidemiologist passionate about advancing data equity in public health. With a strong background in epidemiological research and data analysis, she works to ensure that health data is accessible, inclusive, and used to drive equitable outcomes. Her work blends science, advocacy, and innovation to empower public health professionals and improve population health.

Pyone Yadanar Paing (she/her) is an epidemiologist… Read more

Celebrating Women's History Month

Women’s History Month is a time to recognize the achievements, leadership, and resilience of women who have shaped our communities and our history. It is also an opportunity to highlight the important contributions of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) women.

AANHPI women have long played vital roles as leaders, advocates, caregivers, and innovators—strengthening communities while preserving rich cultural traditions. Their voices and experiences continue to enrich our shared history and inspire future generations… Read more

Coming Soon: Leadership Nominations and Voting

Join us as we celebrate Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month and honor the many cultures that enrich not only our membership, but our entire community.

This special event will feature:

Inspiring guest speakers

Cultural performances

Light refreshments

Opportunities to connect and build community

Come celebrate with us, learn, and meet fellow members in person. We look forward to bringing everyone… Read more

Registration is open for HAPPENS AANHPI Celebration on May 14, 2026, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Location 7273 Linderson Way SW, Tumwater, WA 98501-5414 

We honor the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a visionary leader whose courage, compassion, and unwavering commitment to justice continue to inspire generations. MLK Day serves as a reminder that his dream lives on through action—calling us to choose service over silence, unity over division, and hope over fear. As we reflect on his legacy, may we each find meaningful ways to carry his vision forward through our words, actions, and commitment to one another.

Welcome Back HAPPEN Membership

A Message from Our Leadership

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to thank you for being part of our HAPPEN Business Resource Group community.

This year has been filled with learning, collaboration, and meaningful conversations, and none of it would be possible without your engagement, ideas, and support. Together, we’ve continued to foster connection, inclusion, and growth within our organization.

As we enter the holiday season, we hope you have time to rest, recharge, and celebrate in ways that are meaningful to you. We look… Read more

Friendly Reminder: No General Membership Meetings in December!

Save The Date: HAPPEN's Annual ANHPI Celebration May 14, 2026

Join the ANHPI Planning Committee!
Do you love bringing events to life? Enjoy coordinating resources and creating memorable spaces for your community? We’re looking for passionate volunteers to help plan and make our ANHPI events unforgettable. Email HAPPEN@ofm.wa.gov to volunteer.

Get involved and make an impact!

Congratulations to our new Co-Chair and Special Projects Lead!

Our new HAPPEN Co-Chair is Mark Metzger from the Office of Financial Management. Our new HAPPEN Special Projects Lead is Sundy Ballester from the Department of Social and Health Services. Congratulations on these two outstanding members as they take their place on our Executive Leadership Team! 

What's HAPPENing: Nov 10-14

BRG members: Help guide the state’s commitment to protecting rights and interests of immigrant communities.

The Office of Equity is inviting all BRGs to participate in a virtual listening session to provide feedback on Executive Order 25-09, Reaffirming Washington’s Commitment to Protecting the Rights and Interests of Immigrant Communities.… Read more