The 2016 Bridge Fellowship experience challenges employees to grow up and out
The King County Bridge Fellowship is a 16-week professional development program that expands participants’ mindsets, strengthens current competencies, and helps participants develop new skills. The Fellowship, open to all full-time and TLT employees, was reestablished in 2013-2014 by King County Executive Dow Constantine. Bridge Fellows participated in a rigorous application and interview process before joining this year’s cohort. The program is supported by the Learning and Development Team in the Department of Executive Services and is led by Debra Baker. Together they have created a rich course that encourages participants to explore… Read More
Our new King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan 2016-2022
Many of us have thought about what more we can do to create a racially-just and inclusive King County and country. Many conditions in our county continue to become more inequitable with stark demarcations between the haves and the have-nots. At King County we are very proud to launch our first King County Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan. This Plan builds on much of the good work that we and our partners have been doing to advance equity in our region and pushes us to become more thoughtful, strategic and effective…. Read More
Exec stops by to thank Pride Parade organizers
Employees across King County worked diligently to coordinate King County’s entry into the 2016 Seattle Pride Parade, and King County Executive Dow Constantine took some time to thank some of them for their efforts. On Monday, August 1, Executive Constantine dropped in on some of the planners to thank them for their work in coordinating King County’s presence in the parade, which more than 200 employees, family and friends participated in. He also encouraged the group to develop a “how to” manual which other motivated employees can use to ensure that the… Read More
Poets highlight impacts of oppression and the media portrayal of people of color
by Kirsten Garcia, Department of Natural Resources and Parks This summer I’m interning with the Department of Natural Resources and Parks in the Wastewater Treatment Division. I’m providing cross-sectional support to the Environmental and Community Relations and Finance and Administration sections on policy changes, planning outreach, communications, and budgets. In my first week with DNRP, I assisted with and observed the June 15 poetry symposium on “Reflecting on Race and Racism through Spoken Word, Story, and Conversation,” an Equity and Social Justice project created by the Wastewater and Solid Waste divisions. About 90… Read More
New role for Paula Harris-White
Crossposted from DES Express Many of you know Paula Harris-White from her service as the Department of Executive Services’ Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Manager, heading up King County’s annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration, working with the Civil Rights Commission, or managing the Employee-Based Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Committee. Now, Paula has been named the Workforce Equity Manager for King County, working out of the Human Resources Division (HRD). In her new role, Paula will serve as a subject matter and technical expert in the areas of workforce equity, racial… Read More
King County celebrates Pride as one
Crossposted from DES Express Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday, June 26 to participate in the Seattle Pride Parade! Dozens of us marched as One King County in the bright sun with beautiful new rainbow banners, demonstrating our commitment to equity and social justice. We’re already looking forward to 2017!
Six tips for celebrating PRIDE on June 26
Seattle PRIDE Parade is this Sunday, and this is our second year participating as One King County. Here are some tips for enjoying the holiday that this region celebrates best. Dress the part. When it comes to PRIDE, anything goes. Make sure you can stay cool and protected from the sun, and remember, the more skin you’re showing, the more sunscreen you’ll need. Remember the reason for the season. PRIDE is a positive stance against discrimination against the LGBTQ community. Supportive allies are welcome. Do a little dance. There is no better… Read More
Wear your t-shirt with PRIDE to the Parade June 26
This is the 2nd year that all of King County has marched together as One King County. Last year over 300 King County employees, their children, partners, dogs and even grandparents joined in the festivities. There will be a bus, and a boat, and music, and bubbles…you don’t want to miss this! Get in the mood with a fabulous t-shirt! There are two ways to get one: Order and pay for one by 6/15 (that way you ensure you get the right size and can match it with your ensemble). Be one… Read More
Improving hiring to reflect our community
The Department of Natural Resources and Parks Human Resources (DNRP HR) is looking for new ways to attract a diverse workforce that is more reflective of the King County community at large, and a new pilot project to address that issue is already paying off. A successful “Direct Hire Fair” on April 7, held at Renton WorkSource and sponsored by DNRP HR and its partners in the King County Employment and Education Resources (KCEER) Division, allowed DNRP divisions to interview job candidates on site. The innovative hiring fair resulted in 25 offers… Read More
Trade industries fair highlights the ‘other’ four-year college
For more than 35 years, the Women in Trades Fair has helped young women (and some young men) learn about career opportunities in diverse industries from transportation and utilities to maintenance, energy, and more. The event is held every spring at the Seattle Center, and is attended by more than 1,000 people. Over 80 exhibitors are featured at the fair, providing workshops, first-hand learning opportunities, career information and resources. Notable exhibitors have included Seattle Pipe Trades, Pacific Northwest Ironworkers, and last year’s first place exhibition winner, King County Wastewater Treatment Division. The… Read More
Employee News 