Pierce County Community Engagement Task Force

Meet Tacoma artist Dionne Bonner, owner of Dionne Bonner Art and Design, who provides a diverse range of creative services, including public art, custom paintings, murals, workshops, graphic and website design, community engagement facilitation, and art-inspired products. Learn more about her work and how receiving a Small Business Grant from WorkForce Central through Washington State Department of Commerce's Community Reinvestment Fund is making an impact on her work. Watch the full video on our website at https://lnkd.in/gTrdwXjQ

We still have 6 employer spots for our upcoming Collaboration for a Cause Youth event on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM at the South Hill Mall. We are looking specifically to fill these spots with employers willing to hire ages 16-17. If you’re interested, please fill out our short request form so we can learn more about your opportunities. https://loom.ly/8gzO-oU

Katie Hodge, a financial services professional with New York Life Insurance, discusses how financial access and literacy are critical to community success during her afternoon session at the Lens of Equity Summit. She highlighted how to empower individuals and families to achieve financial stability and create generational wealth. At the WorkSource Pierce center, we have financial coaches ready and able to work with customers to achieve these goals.

Norman Brickhouse with the City of Fife’s Community Navigator Program discusses how we can help individuals and communities achieve self-sufficiency during his afternoon session at the Lens of Equity Summit. He shared how to create programs and initiatives that empower people to take control of their futures and build lasting success. Creating self-sufficiency is an ongoing goal we strive for in workforce development. It’s vital in creating a sustainable workforce.

WorkForce Central’s Christian Reed shared how Generative AI can broaden access to information, services, and opportunities today at our Lens of Equity Summit. By removing traditional barriers, Artificial Intelligence can level the playing field and allow people of all backgrounds to grow and thrive in this new highly competitive economy.

Our lunchtime panel at the Lens of Equity Summit, facilitated by Krista Perez with the Washington State Department of Commerce, discussed progress being made in creating equitable spaces, remaining challenges, and the importance of fostering inclusivity in all sectors. Panelists included Norinda Rosario Yancey with Parks Tacoma, Megan Clark with Birney Elementary, Brandon Simmons with the Skoolie Foundation, and Ricardo Ferrell with City of Tacoma. The panel shared evolving strategies and ongoing efforts to achieve lasting systemic change, offering valuable insights into the ongoing work toward a more equitable future.

During the first set of breakout sessions at the Lens of Equity Summit, Leah Ford, Community Health Program Manager for the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, discussed innovative strategies in addressing disparities to ensure that every community member has the tools they need to thrive. Ensuring job seekers and workers have access to supportive wraparound services such as physical and mental health care is vital in growing a strong workforce.

Caprice Hollins (she.her), co-founder of Cultures Connecting, LLC, kicked off the Lens of Equity Summit this morning with a keynote address exploring the evolving dynamics of community relationships and sharing strategies for fostering understanding, trust, and collaboration. By understanding the cultural differences in our racially diverse community, we can build better relationships and connections within our organizations in an effort to grow and ensure everyone is thriving in this economy.

Thank you to the City of Tacoma’s Environmental Services Department for its Platinum Sponsorship of the Lens of Equity Summit. This department protects and restores natural resources, keeping the city clean, safe and livable through garbage and recycling pickup, wastewater treatment, household hazardous waste disposal, protection from stormwater pollution and much more. They believe everything they do supports healthy neighborhoods and a thriving Puget Sound, leaving a better Tacoma for all.

Thank you to BNBuilders for your Platinum Sponsorship of the Lens of Equity Summit! Founded in 2000, BNBuilders is a 100% Employee-Owned builder focused on highly technical projects for clients in a range of industries with the majority of their projects focused on sustainable construction.