News

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

BRG Q&A with AG Nick Brown!

Attorney General Nick Brown committed to coming back to as a follow-up to our meeting with him earlier this year and his team set the date of October 14th from 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. to continue the conversation.

All BRG Members to join: Meeting Registration - Zoom

Any questions or stories should be emailed to the HAPPEN email inbox to be reviewed.… Read more

Special Elections: Co-Chair and Special Projects Lead

Special Elections: Co-Chair and Special Projects Lead

The following positions are up for special election on the HAPPEN Executive Leadership Team (ELT):

Nominate… Read more

HAPPEN's amended Bylaws are available for membership to review and vote:

Voting will close on 08/18/2025 at11:59 PM.

The following positions are up for special election on the HAPPEN Executive Leadership Team (ELT):

Nominate yourself or someone else by completing our nomination form between:… Read more