Washington State Office of Equity

09/14/2026

"We're moving from 'we shall overcome' to the victorious lane of the land of plenty."

That's how Washington African American Chamber of Commerce CEO Dr. Chaune' Fitzgerald described the WAACOC 2026 Business Forum & EXPO, held August 28-29 in the Tri-Cities under the theme "From Equity to Ownership." The two-day event brought state leaders and Eastern Washington entrepreneurs together for workshops, networking, and honest conversation about building lasting Black-owned businesses.

Our Director, Megan Matthews, spoke on why equity means showing up where people are. Frichette Winery co-owner Shae Frichette shared why it matters to bring state leaders to the table in Eastern Washington. The Big Bro Joe Foundation founder Joe Thornton talked about mentoring the next generation, and small business owners like Jeffrey Peterson of The Wash Tri-Cities and Vivian Terrell of The Honey Baked Ham Company shared what it takes to build something that lasts.

We're so grateful we got to be part of this weekend, and thankful to everyone who welcomed us in.

🎥 Watch the full video to hear more from this incredible community, also up now on our YouTube: https://youtu.be/xcSih_n0JX0?si=d75_HWHHM-1b06QW

09/10/2026

We were proud to stand alongside Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs, Washington Employment Security Department, and the Washington State Arts Commission in Wenatchee for Serving Those Who Served.

Equity means giving our veterans a full safety net of support, and we're grateful to support an approach that leaves no one behind.

Watch the full recap of this wonderful and impactful conference below!

09/09/2026

“Government needs to meet people where they are.” 📍 That’s what our Director, Megan Matthews, said at last weekend’s Washington African American Chamber of Commerce (WAACOC) Business Forum & EXPO in the Tri-Cities.

She joined WAACOC CEO Dr. Chaune' Fitzgerald, Frichette Winery co-owner Shae Frichette, and local business owners and attendees for two days of workshops, networking, and real talk about building Black-owned businesses in Eastern Washington.

Small businesses are the innovators of our economy, and equity means showing up and clearing a path for all of Washington’s entrepreneurs.

We’re sharing a lot more from this weekend this week, so keep an eye on our page!

09/04/2026

Tacoma Community House (TCH) has been supporting immigrants and refugees in the South Sound since 1910. Over 110 years of service in the same community shows real trust.

We are shining our Resource Spotlight on TCH. They connect over 3,000 people from more than 100 countries each year to English classes, job training, immigration legal services, and free citizenship classes open to the whole community.

🔎 Find more immigration resources on Washington for All, our free directory: WAforAll.wa.gov

09/04/2026

📢 Free training alert! PORSESH POLICY RESEARCH INSTITUTE and the Healthy King County Coalition are hosting a Leadership & Policy Advocacy Training on Tuesday, September 15 at the Sea Mar Museum of Chicano/a/Latino/a Culture.

This in-person event covers transportation and built environment equity issues across Seattle and King County. You’ll build hands-on skills too, like writing persuasive talking points, giving public testimony, and drafting policy briefs. There’s also a panel discussion and time to connect with people from government, advocacy, public health, planning, and more.

Food and lunch are provided. Everyone who completes the training gets a certificate of participation.

🔗 Register by Friday, September 11. Space is limited: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=0mSlUn6fqEiqbaWldAMhJjX4TkVXqpJInc3lsN-q0odUNlJUR09PSTY3SVRDM1RKWlRVUU02OFNGUS4u

08/28/2026

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While nothing has changed yet, new Medicaid rules are coming later this year.

Not every Apple Health (Medicaid) member will be impacted.

Adults may have to renew their Apple Health coverage twice a year and prove that they work, go to school, or volunteer.

Learn more at hca.wa.gov/hr1-changes State Health Care Authority

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Aunque todavía no ha cambiado nada, nuevas normas de Medicaid entrarán a finales de este año.

No todos los miembros de Apple Health (Medicaid) se verán afectados.

Es posible que tengas que renovar su cobertura de Apple Health dos veces al año y demostrar que trabajan, estudian o realizan voluntariado.

Aprende más en hca.wa.gov/hr1-changes

08/28/2026

Scissors. Can openers. Even the cabinets and drawers in your house. Ever think about who they were designed for?

In this clip from Episode 4 of Equity Ain’t Dirty, TeyAnjulee Leon, DEI Plan Manager at WSDOT, shares a simple story about growing up with a left-handed mom, and uses it to explain a much bigger idea: barriers aren’t something people carry with them. They’re built into systems that were never designed with everyone in mind.

🎥 Watch the full episode to hear more about what equity means and why removing barriers helps everyone: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3jYmDKYUBg

08/26/2026

On June 17th, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity (BUILD) hos...

08/26/2026

While nothing has changed yet, new Medicaid rules are coming later this year. Adults may have to renew their Apple Health coverage twice a year and prove that they work, go to school, or volunteer.

Read below to stay informed!

HCA is reviewing how HR 1 will affect Apple Health. Our top priority is to keep you updated and let you know if you need to take action to keep your coverage. We are committed to making any changes as easy as possible. Changes will roll out over the next few years, and many details are still being developed. If changes to eligibility, coverage, or benefits are required, we will share that information clearly and early, so you know what to expect.

Visit this webpage for information on expected changes: https://loom.ly/92Yr7Wk