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When Diversity Matters Most. The Strength Lies In Differences, Not In Similarities

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You are here: Home / 2019 / Archives for March 2019

Archives for March 2019

Embracing Diversity in the Workplace

March 14, 2019 by NWFacts 1 Comment

Christine Disnute – The Ports of Tacoma Facilities Management Specialist

by John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer

Since the 1970’s, The Port of Tacoma has embraced diversity in the workplace by employing talented job applicants from multicultural backgrounds as well as seeking out qualified women and minorities to help their vision for the future. Both past and present employees discuss their experiences working at the Port.

Bernice Griffin began her service at the Port of Tacoma in 1997 as the Ports the EEO/Diversity Coordinator. She retired in 2014 as Senior Manager, Human Resources.

Bernice Griffin began her service at the Port of Tacoma in 1997 as the Ports the EEO/Diversity Coordinator. She retired in 2014 as Senior Manager, Human Resources. During Ms. Griffin’s tenure at the Port, she helped launch programs designed to reach out and employ talented individuals from multiple backgrounds. Griffin says, “management had the vision to make the workforce reflective of the community.”

With the blessings of management, the port commission, and the executive team, Griffin and her fellow staff were able to work with local labor organizations, technical colleges, nearby Native American tribes, and job fairs to recruit new employees. The goal was to seek talented people while broadening the perspective of what good talent looks like.

Some of the positions at the Port require skilled journey level workers; these positions include carpenters, electricians, equipment mechanics, and plumbers. To meet the requirements of the maritime industry for these journey level positions, Bernice Griffin and her team launched an apprenticeship program with the goal to increase the number of women and minorities at the port.

While working in the Human Resources Department, Griffin also managed a diversity training program which started in the early 70s and continues to this day. Among other events, she led Black History Month and Martin Luther King Day celebrations which occurred while she was employed there.

Bernice Griffin is exceptionally humble and wants it to be clear that several pioneers came before her, who did wonderful things at the Port of Tacoma to increase the number of minorities and women. She says, “it took a community of folks with diverse talents and experiences to help the port develop and grow – and to make a difference.” Griffin goes on to say, “if it were not for the leadership, her team would not have been able to do all the things that were accomplished.”; concluding with, “the People are the Key,” they were the reason she stayed until retirement.

Today the Port of Tacoma employs about 200 people consisting of administration, maintenance, security, and skilled traits. It offers training and development opportunities. The Port continues to work in the community as well as on social media to help make people aware of new job openings.

Louis P. Cooper Jr. is the current Senior Director of Security and Labor Relations. Cooper has served in multiple positions at the Port over the last 15 years. During his time at the Port he has seen positive improvements, in terms of diversity, inclusion, and equality – but also understands there’s still work to be done. Cooper expressed that moving forward the Port and its management, “must continue to be deliberate in their mission to the people that reflect this community.” Cooper finishes by saying, “we need to reengage in the things we were committed to doing years ago – when it comes to cultural events, diversity, and inclusion.”

Christine Disnute is the Ports current Facilities Management Specialist. She joined the team in December 2017. Disnute says, “there is lots of diversity in management,” and, “since I’ve been here, the Port has made big strides to make the workplace more diverse.” Disnute is optimistic of the progress and goes on to explain how her diverse upbringing helps her to be successful at her job.

Christine Disnute is a woman of color. She recently finished her MBA program and hopes to apply it to helping the Port grow in an ever-expanding industry. Disnute would like to one day move into executive management where she can also do more for diversity at the workplace. Disnute concluded with, “I love working for the port and take pride in everything I do.”

Founded in 1918, the Port is located on the Tacoma waterfront at the South East corner of the Puget Sound, it supports more than 29,000 jobs and generates $3 billion in annual economic activity. It is among the largest container ports in North America, and a major center for automobile shipments, bulk, breakbulk and heavy-lift cargoes.

 

About: John A. Huguley – Freelance Writer

Born in 1966, John is a native Seattle Washington. He grew up in the original Holly Park government housing projects which were built in 1942. His old neighborhood was demolished a few years after John moved out on his own, but the vivid memories of living in this tight-knit, low-income community shaped who he is today.

As a kid, John formed a fascination for creative writing, drawing and making original comic strips. Some of his inspiration came from two of his childhood literary idols; Charles M. Schulz (Peanuts Comics) and Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss).

At a young age, John was also drawn to advertising after watching episodes of the American television sitcom “Bewitched”. On the show, the lead characters’ husband Darrin Stephens was an Advertising Agent. John would mimic the workings of the television Ad-Agent, and create his own storyboards for numerous sales pitches.

In the first grade, John put together a unique idea for teaching students how to manage money. He pitched his clever idea to his first-grade teacher, Miss Cochran at Van Asselt Elementary School. She liked it so much that she later implemented it into her curriculum. The word of his brilliant idea spread, and eventually made its way to being featured on the local evening news.

In addition to John’s passion for creative writing, he loves to take photographs; thousands of them. John received his first film camera at around age six and has not stopped taking pictures since. John currently has an archive of over 124,000 personally taken photos; some dating back to the 1970’s.

When John was ten years old he purchased his first pull-start motor-bike for fifty-dollars; using money that he saved from his paper route, mowing lawns, and being a young entrepreneur.

John earned some of his money as a kid selling a ten-cent homemade frozen treat, that he creatively named “Cupsicles”. To promote his product, he created a glimmering poster made of cardboard covered with aluminum foil. On the poster, he used colored markers to write sales pitches like: “Better Than Popsicles”, “Limited Amounts Left” and “Get Yours Now!”. By the end of his first summer in business, John couldn’t produce “Cupsicles” fast enough to stay up with the neighborhood demand.  John was onto something…

Today John is still doing all the things he grew up loving; creative writing, photography, riding motorcycles, and developing material to promote everyday ideas.

With over 25 years of professional experience and a lifetime of passion for the business, John would love to work on your next project, contact him today – you’ll be glad you did.
Visit: JohnHuguley.com

Filed Under: African American, Business, Community, Community News, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, History, News, Northwest

Cantwell’s Bipartisan Public Lands Package Signed into Law

March 13, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Legislation permanently reauthorizes Land and Water Conservation Fund, which has invested more than $675 million in over 600 Washington state projects

 Package also protects Methow Headwaters from mining, addresses water challenges in Yakima Basin, designates Mountains to Sound Greenway as National Heritage Area, updates volcano monitoring and early warning systems, provides 21st century technology to firefighters around the country

U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) bipartisan public lands legislation, including significant wins for public lands across Washington state, was signed into law by President Trump.

“Public lands and access to lands are a juggernaut part of our economy,” Senator Cantwell said. “This legislation gives the tools and resources to local communities to manage this, to give more access to the American people, to do the things that will help us grow jobs and help us recreate for the future and preserve against a very challenging and threatening climate.”

 

 

 

 

 

The John D. Dingell, Jr. Conservation, Management, and Recreation Act, formerly known as the Natural Resources Management Act, which Cantwell introduced with Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), permanently reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which expired on September 30, 2018. It was the second time in three years Congress failed to reauthorize the program.

Filed Under: Front Page Slider, News, Northwest, Politics, Uncategorized

TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE’S ‘OFF THE SHELF’ PRESENTS THE REVOLUTIONISTS

March 13, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

TACOMA LITTLE THEATRE’S ‘OFF THE SHELF’ PRESENTS THE REVOLUTIONISTS

Tacoma Little Theatre’s Off the Shelf program is excited to present Lauren Gunderson’s, The Revolutionists, directed by Jennifer York and featuring a powerhouse of Tacoma actors.  This production will play Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 7:30pm.

Four beautiful, badass women lose their heads in this irreverent, girl-powered comedy set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror. Playwright Olympe de Gouges, assassin Charlotte Corday, former queen (and fan of ribbons) Marie Antoinette, and Haitian rebel Marianne Angelle hang out, murder Marat, and try to beat back the extremist insanity in 1793 Paris. This grand and dream-tweaked comedy is about violence and legacy, art and activism, feminism and terrorism, compatriots and chosen sisters, and how we actually go about changing the world. It’s a true story. Or total fiction. Or a play about a play. Or a raucous resurrection…that ends in a song and a scaffold.

 The Revolutionists features the talents of: Angela Parisotto as Olympe de Gouges, Kristen Natalia as Marianne Angelle, Cassie Jo Fastabend as Charlotte Corday, and Deya Ozburn as Marie Antoinette.

Tickets for the March 14, 2019 performance at 7:30pm are $10.00 for non TLT Members, and FREE for those who are members. Tickets may be purchased online at www.tacomalittletheatre.com, or by calling our Box Office at (253) 272-2281. 

TLT’s OFF THE SHELF

We know that there is a tremendous amount of wonderful theatre that deserves to be heard but sometimes just doesn’t get an opportunity. With “Off the Shelf”, local directors and actors will be bringing some scripts to life that we hope you will find entertaining, challenging and educational to our stage. We hope that you’ll sit back and enjoy an evening of theatre. You never know, you might see one of these shows on our mainstage in the future.

Filed Under: Arts, Entertainment, Front Page Slider

Senate approves housing assistance for family reunification

March 13, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to establish a child welfare housing assistance program to shorten the time that children remain in out-of-home care.

Senate Bill 5718, sponsored by Sen. Rebecca Saldaña (D-Seattle), would create a pilot program through the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) that would provide housing assistance to parents whose lack of appropriate housing is the primary barrier to reunification with a child who has been removed from their care.

“Families already face many barriers to affordable housing, and with children temporarily removed from the home, housing assistance programs are even less accessible,” said Saldaña. “This makes it extremely difficult for parents in this situation to obtain the appropriate housing necessary to reunify with their kids. This program would remove that barrier to bringing a family back together, and reduce the time kids are separated from their parents.”

SB 5718 requires DCYF to consult with a stakeholder group that includes parent allies, parent attorneys and social workers, housing organizations, behavior health providers and others to determine details for the pilot program, such as eligibility requirements and equitable program distribution. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.

Filed Under: Front Page Slider, News, Northwest

Join us for a special March Gallery Hours event to kick off our 2019 Student Ambassador Program!

March 13, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

This summer two Hilltop Artist students (Ellye and MiShawn) will travel to Biot, France for 3 weeks to study with master glassblower Antoine Pierini. In return, we will host a glassblowing student from Biot during our
Summer Glass Arts Program.
To inspire our community to support our Student Ambassador program,
our gallery will be open on
Thursday, March 14, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Hilltop students have made special Biot floats, which will be for sale and are specifically made to help fund the Biot students’ travels. All proceeds from the sale of the floats will be dedicated to this once-in-a-lifetime experience. We will also have some French-themed treats (charcuterie anyone?), a french conversation section, and live demos by students in the hot shop
For added excitement, we will have a French themed door prize, a Gift Certificate to Savor Creperie on Pacific Ave in Tacoma.

Meet Ellye

Since she started at Hilltop Artists over five years ago, Ellye says glassblowing has taught her about herself by encouraging self-reflection, while also strengthening how she connects with others. She appreciates the lifelong friendships she has forged at Hilltop Artists through collaboration and teamwork. She is looking forward to learning more about coldworking from Antoine Pierini and getting immersed in French culture

Meet MiShawn

When MiShawn talks about Hilltop Artists, the deep sense of joy it brings him is readily apparent. Since joining Hilltop Artists in middle school, MiShawn has embraced every opportunity provided to him with relentless enthusiasm. Kind and caring, MiShawn is not only passionate about glassblowing, but also the community he has found through Hilltop Artists. He looks forward to absorbing new techniques while working with Antoine in France and incorporating them into his body of work. Watch MiShawn’s speech at our 2016 Better Futures Luncheon to learn more of his story.

Filed Under: Arts, Community, Entertainment, Featured Stories, People

Rainier Beach Job & Resource Fair

March 13, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

We are pleased to inform you of Rainier Beach Job & Resource Fair, Saturday, March 23rd, 2019, 12 PM – 2:00 PM, at the Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Avenue S., Seattle, WA., 98118. Interviews will be available on-site, so come prepared and dress appropriately. Over 800 jobs available. Volunteers needed, sign up HERE.
Help us spread the word by sharing with your students, clients, customers, members, circle of friends, family and neighbors. Fliers can be posted on community boards, near your mailboxes, laundry room, elevator, announcement and at the office.
To volunteer sign up HERE
For job seekers sign up HERE
In Service for You,
Danielle Jackson, CHAMPS President/Founder

Filed Under: Business, Events, Faith, Featured Stories, Front Page Slider, News, Northwest

King County wins organizational leadership award for performance and continuous improvement

March 12, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The Center for Accountability and Performance, affiliated with the American Society for Public Administration, awarded King County the CAP Organizational Leadership Award for 2019.

The annual CAP Organizational Leadership Award recognizes outstanding management strategies that result in culture change, sustained improvements, and demonstrated positive effects on government performance and accountability.

“This award is a tribute to the thousands of King County employees who embrace continuous improvement every day,” said Executive Constantine. “We are creating a culture of excellence and innovation that will endure and enable us to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our region, now and into the future.” 

Filed Under: News, Northwest, Politics

Vote now for your favorites, tell your friends, and mark your calendar to tune in on Saturday, March 30th.

March 11, 2019 by Dennis Beaver Leave a Comment

We had a chance to congratulate the nominees for the 50th NAACP Image Awards and and praise them for telling the authentic stories of people of color, emphasizing the importance of representation across Hollywood, politics, and the corporate landscape.

As President Johnson said, “how people see us on the big screen is how they treat us in the streets. The Image Awards Nominees Luncheon is an occasion to celebrate the nominees of the prestigious Image Award. The best and brightest in film, television, music, literature, and social justice. We are here because each one of you has been integral to furthering equity, quality, and inclusion.”

Take a look at the class photo featuring many of this year’s nominees.

attends In A Perfect World Map Gala at The Jeremy Hotel on Sunday March 3, 2019 in West Hollywood, California (Earl Gibson III via AP)

 

Voting for the 50th NAACP Image Awards is open to the public. Viewers have the opportunity to vote for their favorite nominees in 36 different categories across film, television, and music, and for the Entertainer of the Year.

Sign up and cast your vote today.

The 50th NAACP Image Awards will air live on TV One on Saturday, March 30, 2019 and we are excited to get your input.

Vote now for your favorites, tell your friends, and mark your calendar to tune in on Saturday, March 30th.

Filed Under: Business, News, Politics

City of Seattle seeks community members to serve on the Seattle Human Rights Commission

March 11, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

The Seattle Office for Civil Rights is currently recruiting to fill five vacancies on the Seattle Human Rights Commission. The Commission seeks candidates with diverse backgrounds in human rights, law, public policy, advocacy, social services, education, and business. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor, City Council, and the Commission.

The Seattle Human Rights Commission advises the Mayor, City Council and city departments on human rights and social justice issues. In 2015, the City of Seattle declared Seattle a Human Rights City.  As a result, the Commission works with the City to protect the inherent human rights for all residents. Guided by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights principles, the Commission works to impact the lives of people in Seattle through its policy work, community outreach, and works with the Seattle Office for Civil Rights to end discrimination.

Participation on the Commission requires a minimum time commitment of 10-15 hours per month. This includes attendance at monthly meetings, participation in committee work, meetings with City officials, communicating with state legislators, and addressing human rights concerns. The Commission also hears appeals of discrimination cases from the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

Commissioners are appointed for two years and all appointments are subject to confirmation by the City Council and serve without compensation.  Those interested in being considered should email a letter of interest, resume, and a completed Seattle Human Rights Commission application to Marta Idowu () by Tuesday, March 19 by 5 p.m.

The Commission encourages individuals who are interested in applying to attend a monthly Commission meeting.  Meetings are held in City Hall, in Room L280 on the first Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.  Commission meetings are open to the public.

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in its commissions.  Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.  All are welcome.

The Seattle Human Rights Commission is one of four commissions managed by the Seattle Office for Civil Rights.

Filed Under: African American, Business, Community, Community News, Front Page Slider, News, Northwest, Politics

Buy Tickets NOW For Charlie Wilson At Puyallup Fairgrounds.

March 11, 2019 by NWFacts Leave a Comment

Saturday, Sept. 21 7:30 pm Doors open at 6:00 pm

Online Only Presale

Pre-sale starts Wednesday, March 6 at 10 am and ends Saturday, March 9 at 10 am.
Tickets go on sale to the general public Saturday, March 9 at 10 am.

To get the pre-sale password, subscribe to the Fair’s E-Club and select Concerts as one of your interests. You’ll automatically receive an email with the password the morning of the pre-sale.

Tickets

Reserved Concert Seating – $40 – $65*
Concert tickets include Washington State Fair gate admission, a $14 value.
Ticket required for children 2 years of age and older.

*Online orders subject to standard fees. A $4.50 service fee will be added to each ticket purchased in person at the Box Office.

http://www.thefair.com/fun/details/charlie-wilson-2019

 

About the Artist

Some people might say that after notching ten No. 1 singles, 13 Grammy Award nominations, a New York Times best-selling memoir and ongoing sold-out, coast-to-coast arena tours, Charlie Wilson has proven his point….and he isn’t planning to slow down anytime soon.

Wilson’s latest album, In It to Win It (P Music Group/RCA, Feb. 17 2017), includes a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track “Made For Love,” his enchanting duet with Lalah Hathaway. In 2018 Charlie was also nominated for three 2018 NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Male Artist, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration and Outstanding Album.

The set boasts two number one singles which hit two different Billboard charts in April, 2018. “Chills” was #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart and “I’m Blessed” ft. T.I. was #1 on the Hot Gospel Songs (and stayed in the top 5 for 65 weeks). This is the first time an artist has had two different #1 songs on these charts at the same time. “I’m Blessed” was also nominated for a 2018 Billboard Top Gospel song.

Filed Under: Artist Spotlight, Arts, Entertainment, Events, Featured Stories, Music, Music Videos, People, Reviews

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