July Newsletter

RECALIBRATE: Immigration Policy & Workforce Reality, August 20, presented by Seattle Chamber & WE’RE

Register Today

In today’s shifting policy landscape, immigration is no longer a distant policy issue, it’s a workforce reality impacting nearly every industry in Washington State. On Wednesday, August 20, WE’RE and the Seattle Metro Chamber will co-host another Recalibrate session on Immigration Policy & Workforce Reality, a timely and essential conversation designed to equip employers, HR professionals, and community leaders with the insights they need to navigate increasing complexity with clarity and care.

Held at the Seattle Chamber Offices from 9:00 to 10:30am, this in-person event brings together legal experts and community leaders for a focused, interactive session. The morning will begin with a brief presentation to ground attendees in the latest federal and state updates, followed by a facilitated panel discussion that addresses real questions faced by employers and immigrant workers alike. From understanding the rights of undocumented workers to navigating ICE enforcement and supporting employee well-being, the panel will offer both legal context and practical strategies.

Whether you’re a small business owner, nonprofit leader, or inclusive professional, you’ll leave with actionable insights on how immigration policies are shaping workforce dynamics and what you can do to respond with knowledge, confidence, and compassion. Plus, you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow leaders over coffee and join a live Q&A.

Space is limited. Secure your seat and be part of the conversation shaping equitable and resilient workplaces in Washington. Register now and help us recalibrate the conversation together.

Silence Is Not Neutral: Why Speaking Up on DEI Matters More Than Ever

Let’s be clear: diversity, equity, and inclusion work is not a trend, it’s a commitment. In a moment where conversations around race, equity, and belonging are increasingly politicized, some organizations are retreating into silence, hoping to stay out of the fray.

But as Fast Company’s recent article, “With DEI, Silence Is Complicity” points out, “disengagement isn’t a neutral act. It’s a choice, and one with consequences.” They go on to share, “In the past, there was an unspoken policy that most businesses ‘don’t get political’. But the hard truth is the modern workforce is aware of what’s going on in the world, and they see acquiescence or silence as being complicit.” Today’s employees and customers are looking for clarity, not just in what companies say, but in what they do. Retreating from DEI efforts or going quiet on issues of justice sends a powerful, and often damaging message. Culture and trust are shaped in these moments. “At a time when organizations are being attacked from any side, companies must define what they stand for. Every ship must have a rudder and a course for a successful voyage. That’s even more important in a storm, and make no mistake, we are in a storm.” Rather than stepping back, now is the time to anchor firmly to values and act with purpose. Research continues to affirm that DEI isn’t just morally imperative, it’s good for business, and for community.

Soft Skills are Business Skills: Why Emotional Intelligence, Mindfulness, and Attachment-Informed Culture Are Essential to High-Performing Teams

Grounded in research from Washington State business schools and aligned with WE’RE’s commitment to talent development, inclusion, and leadership advancement.

Inclusion isn’t just about representation, it’s about how people feel, connect, and perform once they’re inside the organization. That’s where emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and attachment-informed leadership become foundational. These human-centered capabilities directly support more inclusive workplaces by helping leaders recognize bias in real time, navigate cultural complexity with empathy, and create environments where all employees feel psychologically safe and valued. When people feel seen and supported, they stay longer, contribute more, and collaborate better. In today’s workforce, inclusion is a relational skillset.

For leadership and HR professionals navigating the realities of hybrid work, talent retention, and workforce well-being, one truth is becoming clear: the human side of work is now the strategic side of work. While technical skills and systems will always matter, the organizations that are thriving today, and preparing for tomorrow, are those that intentionally invest in the development of emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and relational awareness at every level of the organization. These are not “soft skills.” They are measurable capabilities that build cohesive cultures, reduce turnover, and drive sustained performance.

At Washington Employers for Racial Equity, this insight underpins our talent development strategy. Through research-driven programming developed in partnership with Washington’s leading business schools, we equip companies and emerging leaders with the skills needed to grow inclusive, high-performing teams. From our Leadership Development Program (LDP) to our executive learning cohorts, we champion a model of progress that links human development to business performance. Emotional intelligence and relational competence aren’t extras, they are essential drivers of equity and excellence.

WE’RE Coalition Survey – Due August 8

The WE’RE coalition formed in 2020 to support employer’s commitments to make progress in the name of equitable outcomes across organizational leadership, workforce, and supply chains. We believe this effort remains vital to our region’s economic and sustainable futures. At the midway point to 2030, political and public opinions are evolving, and some organizations are assessing how they will sustain commitments to greater workforce inclusion and supplier engagements. We ask for five minutes to collect your thoughts to better understand how the coalition needs to evolve given the climate we are in. Your input will directly define future priorities, projects, and programs, and ensure that the coalition and executive leaders are aligned with what you need.

This survey is for internal use only, and all responses will be kept confidential. We ask that you please complete the WE’RE 2025 Survey before August 8, 2025

What the NBA Draft Teaches Us About Equity (Yes, Really!)

Every summer basketball fans buzz with excitement over the NBA Draft, a night when dreams are made, futures are launched, and highlight reels get a refresh. Beyond the dunks, suit choices, and dramatic pick announcements, the NBA Draft offers a surprising lesson in equity and not just on the court. At its heart, the NBA Draft is about redistributing opportunity. The team with the worst record gets the best odds at a top talent pick. Why? Because the league knows that competitive balance fuels growth, fan engagement, and long-term league success. It’s a built-in equity system giving underperforming teams access to top talent so they can rise again.

What if our workplaces, schools, and communities approached equity like this – not as a handout, but as a smart strategy for long-term strength? Many of the players drafted have stories shaped by resilience: growing up in underserved neighborhoods, navigating underfunded schools, or facing systemic barriers, yet rising through talent, tenacity, and opportunity. The NBA Draft shows us what happens when that talent gets seen, supported, and invested in.

The lesson? Equity isn’t about lowering the bar, it’s about widening the gate. More companies, cities, and organizations are waking up to what the NBA has known for decades: investing in overlooked potential isn’t just fair, it’s a winning formula. When we redistribute opportunity, we’re not disrupting excellence. We’re expanding it.  So the next time you tune in to the draft or cheer for a rookie success story (Shout out to MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with a stellar life story), remember behind the buzzer beaters is a blueprint. And it starts with making sure everyone gets a shot.