HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2014-06-05 Minutes
EQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
June 5, 2014
Present: Joan Hernandez, Aaron Draganov, Nate Robinson
Absent: Kathleen Gantz, Charlie Penor, Mary Hulvey
Guest: Abdinasir Elmi, Somali Program Coordinator; Thang Ung
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Meeting was called to order at 5: 15 p.m.
Abdinasir Elmi , Program Coordinator, shared an overview about Somali Community Services,
and the work they do. He does the after school program, helps with tutors from UW in
working with students, one on one. Most are ESL classes, some kids have been here 3 years or
less . He has b een with CSC for 3 years, began as a volunteer working in the summer program.
He graduated from Foster, and is graduating from Bellevue College next week, with plans to go
to the University of Washington.
CSC provides a 6 week summer program for elementary students. They work with parents as
well, and currently have about 25 children signed up for the program. He shared that working
with the kids during the summer, especially on English skills, makes a big difference in the kids
not “losing” what they’ve learned during the school year.
Their f unding comes from Tukwila schools and United Way. They also write grants for funding
and received a $5,000 grant from the Roadmap project.
Commissi oners appreciated hearing his story and the information he provided.
NEW BUSINES
Mr. Ung was present at this meeting, and Joyce shared that his appointment will be confirmed at a July
City Council meeting. He provided some background/history, and talked about his family and business.
He h as lived in the Tukwila community for 30 years , be en married for 42 years, and has 4 sons who have
gone thru the Tukwila school district, college and have successful careers. (Amazon, Google, etc.) . He
s peaks Thai, Chinese, Cantonese.
Equity and Diversity Commission
June 5, 2014
Page 2
The Commissio n shared their thanks and appreciation for Mr. Ung’s desire to give back to the
community, by serving on the Equity and Diversity Commission, and look forward to getting to know him
better and working with him.
OLD BUSINESS
Kathy Hougardy moved and Joan Hernandez accepted a motion to approve the May, 2014 Meeting
Minutes.
Joyce advised that there are still a couple of vacancies on the Commission: school district and staff
member. Mary Hulvey and Charlie Penor will not be asking for re - appointment whe n their terms expire
July 31, 2013. Commissioners were asked to consider others who might have an interest in serving in
these roles, and forward names to Joyce.
Nate shared information about the Teen Kick Off event on June 17 – commissioners who have time and
interest are encouraged to participate. The City will have several booths at the event, and people can
use this as an opportunity to network and talk with stude nts, parents and faculty. The event runs from
11:30 – 4:30 at Foster. Mr. Ung volunteered some food for the event, and will work with Nate.
OTHER
Joa n shared that Joyce received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Mayor at Monday night’s City
C o un cil meeting , for her service to the community. .
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:20 P.M.
NEXT MEETING – JULY 10, 2014