Meet our Mentors

Become a Mentor | Become a Mentee

Kennly Asato

Pronouns: she/her

Aloha! My name is Kennly Asato and I am the Deputy Assistant Director for the Housing Division at the Washington State Department of Commerce. I was born and raised in Hawaii. As the daughter of a school teacher, I learned the importance of helping others and giving them your very best.  I have been in state government for the last 11 years and am passionate about helping people find meaningful employment and growing personally and professionally. I currently serve as the chair for the South Puget Sound Community College Office Technology and Administration advisory committee. I also lead the Mentorship Committee for the Hawaiians, Asians, and  Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network (HAPPEN) Business Resource Group.
I would love to help you navigate the state hiring process including reviewing cover letters, resume building, and interview preparation. I also can help provide career guidance, and serve as a sounding board for your ideas on where and how you’d like to grow!

Ethnic Background: Asian and Native Hawaiian

Languages Spoken: English

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: professional development, project management, leadership, career transitions, interviewing

Farid Baghirov

Pronouns: he/him

I used to work for Washington Department of Social and Health services both as a Financial Services Specialist (now Public Benefits Specialist) and later as a Management Analyst. I enjoyed my experience working for the state. I now work as a Budget Analyst for the City of Seattle IT department.

I am an immigrant myself and know how difficult it can be to navigate in a new country and find a better career path. When I immigrated to the US 12 years ago, I was lucky to have people who helped me along the way. I would like to be a resource to someone else who might need help with similar issues that I had.

Ethnic Background: Azerbaijani

Language(s) Spoken: Azerbaijani, Turkish, Russian

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Budget Management/Data Analysis

I have over 30 years of experience as an executive – with private businesses, and state and local government. In 2005-2010, I was on Governor Gregoire's Cabinet as Director of General Administration (now Department of Enterprise Services). From 2010-2012, I was the Director of Human Rights and Human Services for the city of Tacoma. I have volunteered with non-profits as a board member. Currently, I work as a consultant and an online teacher. One of my primary interests is supporting others in professional growth and development.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Project Management, conflict resolution, strategic planning

Ethnic Background: Mexican American

Language(s) Spoken: English & Spanish

Diana Cazac

Pronouns: she/her

Salut! I am Diana Cazac, formerly a Business Development Manager at the Department of Commerce. My professional background encompasses a wide range of competencies, including program management, program development, grant management, data analysis, business development, market research, strategic planning, government administration, advocacy, and communications.

In early 2019, I embarked on a journey to the United States, settling in Washington state. I initiated my career in the social services sector, contributing to the missions of WA DSHS and King County in diverse capacities. My responsibilities encompassed areas such as public benefits, affordable housing, criminal justice, and healthcare for the homeless network. These experiences paved the way for my tenure at the WA Department of Commerce.

At present, I hold a position at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, where I am an integral member of the Global Policy and Advocacy team. My role involves the management of special projects and providing support to the Women's Health team. I find immense fulfillment in mentoring, as it enables me to cultivate relationships and assist individuals in their professional growth and development.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Program management, program development, grant management, data analysis, business development, market research, strategic planning, government administration, advocacy and communications.

Ethnic Background: Immigrant born in the Republic of Moldova

Language(s) Spoken: English, Romanian, Russian and French.

Alex Countouriotis

Pronouns: he/him/his

I work for the Washington State Department of Transportation as the Program Manager for the Puget Sound Gateway Program. I joined WSDOT in 2006 after gaining several years of Engineering experience with smaller governmental agencies.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Project/Program Management and Transportation Engineering

Ethnic Background: Child of first-generation Japanese immigrant

Language(s) Spoken: English

Kathrina Estoque

Prounouns: she/her

Greetings, My name is Kathrina Estoque and I currently serve as a Social Service Specialist II serving clients in the Aged, Blind, Disability and the Housing and Essential Needs programs for Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services. I have a wide range of experiences serving and advocating for vulnerable populations, including homeless communities, youth and survivors of domestic/dating violence within nonprofit, court and legal sectors. Past experiences includes service with YWCA, New Horizons Ministries, API Chaya, King County Courthouse, Seattle Municipal Court Community Resource Center, DC Superior Court and local law firms where I’ve served as Housing Case Manager, Peer Support Worker, Protection Order Court Advocate. I hold a Bachelors of Arts in Sociology and Women Studies with a minor in Comparative Ethnic Studies from Washington State University and a Masters of Professional Paralegal Studies from George Washington University. I am passionate about walking alongside and partnering with others, supporting them in their efforts of accomplishing their goals and helping them in reaching their full potential. In my past time, I enjoy spending time with loved ones, attending church, writing, photography, working out, watching movies, cooking, reading a good book and traveling. I am inspired by this quote by Confucius, “The will to win, the desire to succeed, the urge to reach your full potential... these are the keys that will unlock the door to personal excellence”.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Leadership Development, Professional Development, Case Management, General Coaching, Interviewing, Content Creator,  Creating Newsletters, Social Services, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Work, Facilitation, Public Speaking,  Advocacy, Nonprofit, Civic Engagement Work, Crime Victim Services, and Housing Advocate.

Ethnic Background: Filipina American

Language Spoken: English

Colin Helsley

Pronouns: he/him

Colin serves as a Communications Consultant for the Washington State Employment Security Department-UICS division. He has over 18 years of state work experience, with 9 years working for the WA State Employee Assistance Program. Currently volunteers as WIN’s website manager. Colin also serves as the Communications/webpage developer for Employment Security Department’s Unemployment Insurance Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion Taskforce. Graduated from The Evergreen State College with a Bachelors Degree in Communications.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Web design, Crisis Intervention, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion policies, Marketing/Promotions, Conflict Resolution, Client/Customer Service, and Communications.

Ethnic Background: Colin is a sixth-generation Texan, of Irish/Scottish/Dutch descent. He moved to Washington in 1996 and currently resides in Olympia.

Language(s) Spoken: English

Angie Hong

Hi, my name’s Angie. I’m a US Army veteran and I have worked with the State of Washington for the last 9 years. I enjoy meeting new people from all around the world and find it easy to carry on conversation. If you have goals to work with the state and are new to American culture, I’d like to meet you and encourage you in your goals. I like to laugh and am a person that is hard to offend because of my open mindedness and eagerness to learn.  

Ethnic Background: Caucasian

Languages Spoken: English

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: natural resource management, emergency preparedness and response, environmental permitting, government procurement and contracting, and grant administration.

Heleena Hufnagel

Pronouns: she/her

I have worked in the health care field for over a decade, with the last 5 years as a Clinical Quality Coordinator, Washington Health Care Authority in state policy and program administration. My area of expertise is medically complex and ventilator dependent hospital transitions and long-term supportive services for adults and children. I love knowing that the work I do has the ability to impact the lives of others in a meaningful way and promotes health equity by giving everyone the opportunity to make informed choices in the health care they receive.

I identify as she/her, multi-racial and second generation. I am a recent transplant to WA state, and I love spending my time outdoors hiking and kayaking with my rescue pup Tinkerbell.

Chris Lamb

Pronouns: he/him

Chris has served in CIO/IT Director Roles with the State of Washington since 2007, having led IT, divisions, at the Department of Retirement Systems, the Department of Social & Health Services, and at his current agency, the Office of Financial Management.  Chris’ career began in 1989, now spanning well over 30 years, all but one of those years in the public sector. Chris has led successful technology and organizational transformation efforts with a strong focus on leadership accountability.  Chris graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics and a minor in Computer Science.  He is also a graduate of the University of Washington Executive Management Program.  Chris also holds Prosci Change Management certification and Project Management certification from the University of Washington.

Chris is also a board member for the Information Professional Management Association (IPMA) where he currently serves as Chair for the IPMA LeaderPath Program, which focuses on leadership development within the Information Technology landscape.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Information Technology, Leadership, Organizational Culture & Transformation, Change Management, Process Improvement

Joanne Lee

Pronouns: she/her

Joanne Lee is a Deputy Assistant Director for the Equity & Employee Development Division at the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services. Joanne is a 2023 Excellence in Washington State Government Leadership Award recipient.

She previously held the position of Learning Consultant, Principal for the City of Tacoma. In addition, she worked as a Leadership Development Learning Design and Delivery Professional for the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services. With over 20 years of experience in various workforce development roles, Joanne has extensive expertise in developing, supporting, maintaining, and expanding professional technical education partnerships to meet industry needs through customized training programs.

Joanne has a wealth of experience working with diverse adult learners, providing training and support ranging from one-on-one consultations to large-scale workshops, seminars, and training sessions for various workforce populations. She has also served as a Chair at the Washington Immigrant Network (WIN), Leadership Development Lead for Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Empowerment Network (HAPPEN), and as a Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Seattle SHRM.

Joanne earned her Graduate Certificate in Human Resource Management from the University of Phoenix. She holds a Master of Arts in Instructional Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Education from California State University, San Bernardino. Alongside her passion for fostering relationships with community-based organizations, businesses, and industries, Joanne actively promotes partnerships for the workforce and continuing education. Currently, she is a member of the Business faculty at the Seattle Colleges. On a personal note, Joanne loves to travel with her family.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Learning/Training Facilitation and Development, Business Development, Leadership Development, Public Speaking, Mentoring, College Professor

Ethnic Background: Immigrant born in the Philippines

Language(s) Spoken: English and Tagalog

Lorraine Lee

Pronouns: she/her

Lorraine has served as Agency Director and Chief Administrative Law Judge of the Washington State Office of Administrative Hearings since July 2009.  Her 24-year state government career includes varied policy and management positions.  In the 1990’s, Lorraine was a criminal defense attorney representing the poor.  She started her legal career as a military lawyer in the U.S. Army with duty stations in Washington DC, Hawaii and Seoul, Republic of Korea. 

 Area(s) of Professional Expertise:  Law, Government Regulation, Public Policy.

 Ethnic Background:  Chinese – born in Canada, grew up in Hong Kong, New York City and Moses Lake, Washington.

Michael Leitch

Pronouns: he/him

My name is Michael Leitch (Leech).  I started with the State at the Division of Child Support in 1999 and have been here ever since.  I began as an SEO1 (in-training), became an SEO2, and then an SEO3 (lead worker) and Trainer.  I am now an SEO4 (supervisor) with the front counter customer service team, the Academy training team, and the Parentage/Paternity Team.  I am a member of multiple workgroups across the state.  I also serve as a Veterans Liaison and as a Paternity Coordinator in Eastern Washington.  Prior to working for the State, I spent 8 years in the Army as an officer (England, France, Germany, Panama, Nicaragua, Japan, and Korea) and then taught English as a foreign language and leadership in Japan for 6 years. 

I understand moving to a new country and culture; adopting new language; and, trying to function at your best in a strange environment.  I understand being one of few and not one of the many in my community and work.  I would be happy to share and help with whomever needs it.  I am a husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and generally friendly person.  I enjoy reading, the outdoors, and babysitting.  I do a lot of work with area veterans groups, but I can always make time for people.  Whether we talk today or not, I hope you have a great day.

Mustafa Mohamedali

Pronouns: he/him

Mustafa works as a Research Manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT). He has lived and worked in six countries and travelled 27 on four continents before settling in Washington in 2000. He has served on the board the Project Management Institute (PMI), the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), Interfaith Works, and the Islamic Center of Olympia where he was responsible for outreach and promoting inter-cultural/interfaith understanding. He has been able to realize his passion to find common ground in values of people polarized through years of distrust and ignorance and has been able to achieve real and tangible results. Mustafa also serves on the Governor’s Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC).

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Licensed professional civil engineer and certified project manager professional.

Ethnic Background: First generation American, a native of Kenya with Indian ancestry

Language(s) Spoken: Polyglot--fluent in English, Gujarati, Swahili, and Hindi/Urdu, and can get by in Arabic and a couple more.

Angela Nottage

Pronouns: she/her

To give back to humankind. I am both :). I would like to make the journey a little easier for someone or a few people. I immigrated to the US in the 1990s. I have been working here at DSHS for six years in the same role as the Nursing and Performance Improvement Unit Manager.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Registered Nurse

Ethnic Background: Bahamian, Caribbean

Language(s) Spoken: English

Gina O’Neill

Pronouns: her/she/hers

I am a person of grit and grace.  I came to the US from the Philippines in 1987 with two battered suitcases and a 23-month old toddler, and settled in Skagit County. As an Equity, Diversity, Access and Inclusion (EDAI) professional, I strongly advocate for a diverse organization that allows employees to be their happiest and most productive selves. My authenticity is proven in my personal life. I support several Filipino-American non-profit organizations in King and Pierce counties to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, as well as preservation of the Filipino history, culture, heritage and tradition. I hold a Bachelor of Human Services Management, a Master of Health Administration, and a Master of Industrial-Organizational Psychology. I hold certifications in change management and Six Sigma Green Belt. I am a life-long learner, enjoys self-study, and is firmly grounded in and guided by my faith. I enjoy giving back to my community and mentor others.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise:
Change Management; Quality Management; Project Management; Continuous Improvement; Employee Engagement; Group Facilitation; Performance and Process Improvement; Patient /Physician Engagement /Satisfaction; Customer Relations: Service Recovery and Service Excellence; Lean Management; Baldrige Performance Excellence Program; Organizational and Group Management; Transformational Leadership; Inclusive Leadership; Inspirational Mentorship; Event Management/Planning; Equity, Diversity, Access, & Inclusion.

Ethnic Background: Cebuano /Southern Philippines

Language(s) Spoken: Visayan, Tagalog, English

Christina Pourarien

Pronouns: she/her

I work for the Employment Security Department as their Executive Operations Manager within the IT Services Division. After graduating from Central Washington University, I began my state service career in 1999 at the Washington State Lottery. I worked at General Administration (currently known as Department of Enterprise Services), Department of Retirement Systems, The Evergreen State College, Department of Social Health and Services, Department of Licensing and Labor & Industries before joining ESD in January of 2022.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise:: Human Resources, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Classification and Compensation, Recruitment, Coaching, Career Planning, Facilitation, Organization Change Management, and Conflict Resolutions

Ethnic Background: Multi-racial – Child of first generation Korean immigrant parent.

Language(s) Spoken: English, and conversational Korean

Nihan Price

Pronouns: she/her

My name is Nihan Price, and I am from Turkey. I came to United States in 2004 and lived in Utah and Colorado. Currently, I live in Lacey Washington and am an audit supervisor for Department of Licensing. Prior to starting my career, I received my associate in business from South Puget Sound Community College with 4.00 GPA. I have been a state employee for almost seven years. During this time, I held numerous positions, all within field of accounting/finance.

I have been married to my husband for over 20 years. We have 3 amazing boys. One of my biggest joys is to watch my kids compete either on soccer field or robotics competition.

Ethnic Background: Turkish

Language(s) Spoken: Turkish and English

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Accounting (Auditor)

Cary Retlin

Pronouns: he/his

I've been with Commerce for over 14 years - and I love working for my state and my community. I also worked for nonprofits and for the City of Olympia providing social services including employment, affordable housing, and homeless response. I'd love to help someone find a job, or find their next job, through this program.

I'd love to help someone get ready for a state application and interview process including providing feedback on application, cover letter, résumé and help with interview prep. My mentee does not have to be interested in Commerce - but I'll try recruiting them!

Commerce needs more immigrants in our workforce to help us strengthen communities and grow our economy!

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Contract Management, Supervision, Interview Prep and Interview Skills, Government Affairs, Affordable Housing, Immigration, Social Services, Crime Victim Services, Legal Aid, Homelessness, Refugee Affairs

Ethnic Background: Caucasian

Language(s) Spoken: English

Roy Salonga

Pronouns: he/him

I was born and raised in the Philippines. My family and I moved to USA back in the summer of 2008. I was 20 years old back then. Once my family and I settled in the country, I was exposed to different types of work environment such as production/manufacturing and in customer service (restaurant). After for about 4 years, I decided to pursue college and eventually graduated in 2014 with Bachelor's Degree (HRM) at Washington State University. On the same year, I passed my citizenship exam and took an ought to be an American citizen.

Coming from a humble life back home and now having the privilege to work for the state, I would love to mentor with my fellow immigrants.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Human Resources

Ethnic Background: Filipino

Language(s) Spoken: English, Tagalog, Pampango

Maribeth Sapinoso

Pronouns: she/her

Maribeth Sapinoso joined the Employment Security Department (ESD) in September 2021 as the Chief Information Officer for their Information Technology Services Division.   Prior to joining ESD, Maribeth worked for the Department of Labor & Industries from 2018-2021 as their first Deputy CIO primarily responsible for the daily operations of their IT Division.  From 2011-2018, Maribeth worked with the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts as an IT Program Manager implementing a statewide Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) case management system for the Washington State Superior Courts.  Maribeth also worked with the Washington State Department of Transportation for approximately 15 years holding various leadership and technical roles in Information Technology.

Maribeth holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from San Diego State University and is certified as a Project Management Professional (PMP).   Maribeth also is a board member of the IPMA (Information Professional Management Association).

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Executive Leadership, Project Management, Information Technology

Ethnic Background: Filipino American

Language(s) Spoken: English and a little bit of Tagalog

Carolina Sun-Widrow

Pronouns: she/her

Carolina is the Chair of the Washington State Pollution Control/Shorelines Hearings Board, a role where she’s honored to be able to resolve environmental disputes that impact Washington’s varied landscape, people, and resources. She has served the Boards since 2015, first as an administrative appeals judge and since 2019 as a Board member appointed by Governor Jay Inslee. Carolina’s 20+ years in state service includes 11 years as staff attorney for the Washington Supreme Court.

Carolina is a supporter of many local non-profits, and has served on the board of a non-profit helping youth and their families. She is energized to be able to guide or just listen to fellow state workers as they find meaningful work.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Law and policy (appellate law, environmental law, administrative law, public records), mediation, conflict resolution, interpersonal communication, writing, non-profit board service.

Ethnic Background: Carolina is a first-generation immigrant – born in Taiwan, and grew up in Paraguay and rural, eastern Washington (St. John, WA).

Language(s) Spoken: English, conversational Spanish and Chinese

Rokaih Vansot

Pronouns: she/her

Jeremy Walker

Pronouns: he/him

I was so excited to hear about this opportunity! I have worked and volunteered working with international exchange students and with immigrants and refugees in past positions. In 2017 I interned at Habitat For Humanity International as a Graduate Research Analyst. I spent time working with Southeast and South Asian professionals, many engineers on how to streamline sanitation programs and develop cross-functional learnings (since a lot of the Engineers were working on their own and had no support). I am not an expert in all the cultures and languages, but I have physically been to and immersed myself in some of the Filipino, Cambodian, and Thai cultures. I currently mentor business analysts through an international Facebook group. Most members are from India, but it is from everywhere.

Area(s) of Professional Expertise: Business Analysis, Research and Analysis, Project Management, LEAN Six Sigma, Community Engagement and Outreach

Ethnic Background: Caucasian

Language(s) Spoken: English, Not completely fluent but (Spanish and Tagalog)

Francis Wellsbury

Pronouns: she/her

My mother and I migrated from the Philippines to Canada when I was 16 years old (after the death of my father) to join the rest of my older siblings that have been in Canada since the early 60’s. I came from a family of 6 children, and I am the youngest.

Moved to WA in 1996 and obtain employment with MultiCare and subsequently in 1998 became employed with DSHS Children’s Administration, then joined the Childcare Licensing (Division of Childcare and Early Learning-DCCEL) in Economic Services Administration which DCCEL then became its own Department, called Department of Early Learning. In DEL, Promoted to a Program Manager in 2003 and finally became employed with ALTSA/RCS in 2007 as Performance Accountability Program Manager. Within RCS, wore many hats as a program manager ; got promoted to a Unit Manager with Data Retrieval and Performance Measure Unit in 2016 and in Sept. 2022, became the Office Chief of Business Operations in RCS.

In Summanry:

• Over 30 years of social service experience in customer service, compliance, licensing and regulations, operational management, performance measures and standards, process development, medical social work, and supervision.

• 16 Years with DSHS/Aging Long Term Support Administration/Residential Care Services Division;  26 years with DSHS

• I received my master’s in social work degree in SUNY(State University of NY)  at Buffalo(Emphasis in Health, Mental Health and Disability, Program Evaluation and Policy Development).  I received my undergrad degree (Double degree -Major in Social and Minor in Psychology) at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario Canada.

AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Leading teams and managing complex projects and business units to achieve goals and improve current internal processes.

• Strong analytical thinking and organizational skills in directing, reviewing, and analyzing policies and legislative guidelines.

• Maintaining high standard of professionalism, integrity, and work ethic in dealing with the public and stakeholders

• Commitment to teamwork in a diverse, positive, collaborative work environment

• Expertise in research, data analysis, policy development and regulatory compliance

• Managing multiple projects and achieving quality outcomes

• Subject matter expert in human resources, including hiring processes and staff allocation.

• Ability to communicate complex matters to internal and external stakeholders with great customer service.

• Excellent written, presentation and oral communication skills 

Most Recent Trainings:

• Lean Six Sigman Practitioner Certification (2014)

• Completed the ALTSA WAY Executive Leadership Training (2023)

• Dare to Lead Certificate of Completion

Questions about becoming a mentor? Contact:
Kathleen Quinene, Mentoring Program Administrator:

win@ofm.wa.gov