HomeMy WebLinkAboutEquityDiversity 2016-05-05 MinutesEQUITY AND DIVERSITY MEETING MINUTES
May 5, 2016
Present: Joan Hernandez, Nate Robinson, Kathy Hougardy, Melissa Hart
Absent: Crystal Sweet, Aaron Draganov, Thong Ung
Staff: Joyce Trantina
Guests: Mohammed Worseme, Dr. Gregory King
Meeting was called to order at 5:15 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS
Minutes from the April 7, 2016 meeting were approved as written. Moved by Melissa Hart,
seconded by Kathy Hougardy.
UNANIMOUS APPROVAL
Intrnductinns
Mohammed Worseme shared his background with the Commissioners. He has lived in Tukwila
for about 4 years, after being settled in the Seattle area as a refugee about 6 years ago. He was
previously a case worker with Somali Community Services and worked with SCIU, helping create
a television program focusing on the stories of East African refugees, and helping them learn
about available resources. He shared that the East African communities, Napali, and Burmese,
are the fastest growing communities in Tukwila. He works with other East African advocate
across the region, and is very interested in learning more about Tukwila, and how he can help
build bridges between our refugee /immigrant residents and the City. He learned about the
Equity and Diversity Commission from a friend, who suggested he visit the City's website, and
was very interested in coming to this meeting and learning more about the work we do, and
how he can help in our outreach efforts. He is a big supporter of social media, using it as a way
to reach others in his community to share important information.
Equity and Diversity
May 5, 2016
Page 2
Snack Pack Program
The Commissioners discussed the Snack Pack program. Collection bins have been placed at
multiple City locations and weekly emails are going out to employees to generate contributions
for the kids over the summer months. Current levels in the program are low so any help is
appreciated.
Other
Nate presented Commissioners with a plaque of appreciation from the basketball team the
Commission sponsored. He shared that several of the players would never have had the
opportunity to participate if it had not been for the grant provided by the Commission, and
shared their sincere appreciation and thanks for the support.
Dr. King provided an overview of his roles and responsibilities within the Tukwila School District,
and the benefits that have been gained by greater collaboration and partnership with the City.
Joyce shared that the June meeting will include a presentation regarding City facilities which
could be an issue before voters this fall, and reminded members that there is no July or August
meeting. She also indicated that the following positions are due to expire July 31, 2016.
Existing Commissioners are asked to consider whether or not they are willing to be re-
appointed:
Position # 4, City Representative: Crystal Sweet
Position # 6, Business Representative: Thong Ung
Position # 9, Community Representative: Melissa Hart
Positions # 2 and 5, School District Representatives, are also vacant.
Meeting adjourned at 6:00
NEXT MEETING -JUNE 2, 2016