The Washington State Commission on Hispanic Affairs (“CHA” or “the Commission”) was created by a Governor’s Executive Order and established in statute in 1971. As mandated by the state legislature, the Commission’s functions are to improve public policy development and the delivery of government services to the Hispanic community through the following means:
1.Identifying and defining issues concerning the rights and needs of Washington State’s Hispanic Community;
2.Advising the Governor and state agencies on the development of relevant policies, plans and programs that affect Hispanics;
3.Advising the legislature on issues of concern to the state’s Hispanic community;
4.Establishing relationships with state agencies, local governments, and members of the private sector.
The Commission started out in 1971 as a strong grassroots movement to improve the conditions for Latinos in the state of Washington. A substantial amount of community action leading to the creation of CHA rose out of the Yakima Valley as well as other areas with high farm worker populations. During this time, a group of Latino community advocates saw the need to take their concerns to the state in order to advocate and lobby for community development. The official creation of CHA was part of a larger history of the Chicano movement that peaked in Washington in the late 60s and early 70s.
Latino Leadership Network
Through the power of Connection: Invest, Inspire and Serve
The Latino Leadership Network (LLN) is a Washington State employee resource group. We are an organization of Latinos and allies working to build, connect and inspire the Latino workforce in state government. We are driven to prepare outstanding Latino leaders and a qualified workforce that will serve our state today and tomorrow.
LLN reflects the rich Latinx diversity, culture and history seen across the state of Washington. An empowered resource group contributes to a state workforce that understands the communities it serves and improves the delivery of public policy.
Our Vision
Connecting and inspiring Washington State’s Latino Workforce and leaders of today and tomorrow.
Our Values
•Leadership
•Respect
•Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
•Excellence
•Innovation
•Public Service
•Professionalism
•Legacy and heritage
What we do
•Networking
•Promote professional development
•Encourage leadership opportunities
•Practice diversity and inclusion skills
•Promote cultural connection and awareness
•Celebrate our culture
•Be catalysts for change
•Be ambassadors at our agencies and communities
