08-08-24 Diversity Commission Minutes draft DIVERSITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2024
Diversity Commission August 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes Page 1
COMMISSION MEMBERS PRESENT:
Saudia Abdullah in at 5:28 p.m.
Jennifer Kiiru in at 5:20 p.m.
Shante Lane in at 5:06 p.m.
Chika Onyejiaka in at 5:46 p.m.
Craig Patrick in at 5:26 p.m.
Trenise Rogers on Zoom at in at 5:29 p.m.
in at 5:34 p.m.
Ron Walker in at 5:28 p.m.
COMMISSION MEMBERS ABSENT:
None.
STAFF PRESENT: Chris Grier (Community Services Manager)
Keith Niven (Community Development Director)
Victoria Banks (Administrative Assistant I)
Tanja Carter (Economic Development Director)
Abbie Wenick (Special Events Assistant)
Council Member Paul McDaniel
Council Member Jack Walsh
CALL TO ORDER:
Meeting called to order at 5:31 p.m.
INTRODUCTION: Commissioner/Staff:
Commissioners and Staff introduced themselves.
PUBLIC COMMENT (2 mins. /person):
Council Member Paul McDaniel requested the Commission add an agenda item for the City
Council and the Commission communications. In order for the communication to improve, there
needs to be an implementation of better communication avenues, and Council Member Jack
Walsh agreed. Council Member Jack Walsh offered his help to the upcoming Community
Festival on Saturday, August 17, 2024. Community member Ron Kaler expressed his
appreciation for the upcoming festival and the hard work that went into bring it into fruition.
Council Member Paul McDaniel submitted request to obtain a dialogue with city council to
review agenda item from Abbie for council and commission communication
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2024
Diversity Commission August 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes Page 2
COMMISSION BUSINESS:
A. Approval of Minutes (July 2024):
Commissioner Walker motioned to approve the July 11, 2024 meeting minutes and
Commissioner Lane seconded the motion. Motion carried 6 -0.
B. Federal Way Community Festival:
Staff member Abbie Wenick reported the final updates (i.e. vendor drop-off, parking,
etc.) on the upcoming event.
C. Minority-owned Business Partnership
Staff member Tanja Carter presented the Federal Way branded Lego 3-minute video that
discussed the purpose of the Economic Development department. Director Carter asked
to partner with the Commissioners to foster some engagements and build relationships
amongst the diverse community and the Economic Development department.
D. Commission Renaming:
Vice-Chair Rogers reported the discussion between herself and Commissioner Patrick
about ideas for possible renaming purposes, which both agreed should be a community
involved effort. Commissioner Patrick stated he would bring a suggestion container to the
Community Festival to collect community suggestions. Staff member Niven explained
the process of enacting the name change through the City Council. Staff member Niven
suggested placing this renaming query in the hands of the future DEI Consultant.
E. Commission Vacancies:
Chair Abdullah reported that there are two voting vacancies and two alternate vacancies
for Diversity Commission. Commissioner applications will be available at the
Community Festival, accessible online on the City’s website, as well as coming into City
Hall to fill one out.
MANAGERS REPORT:
Community Development Director Keith Niven and Community Services Manager Chris Grier
reported on the recruitment progress for the DEI Consultant. Request for Proposal (RPF) has
closed and currently 36 have submitted resumes, with the wanting of the top 5 for the
interviewing process, with the timeline happening sometime in September 2024.
DIVERSITY COMMISSION
MINUTES
AUGUST 8, 2024
Diversity Commission August 8, 2024 Meeting Minutes Page 3
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS (15 mins. - 2 minutes/Commissioner):
Commissioner Lane suggested the commission reflect on what they individually and collectively
are doing for the community as a whole, thinking about expansion to be able to adhere to the
mission statement, etc.
Commissioner Kiiru inquired about how does the Diversity Commissioners help businesses,
reach out and help the community with Economic Developments help, a question that will be
answered at a later time.
Commissioner Rogers mentioned having dinner at a local East Indian restaurant and the
opportunity to speak with the owner. The owner mentioned his grievances with losing 40% of his
business due to the construction of the new Federal Way’s Sound Transit Light Rail station and
having spoken to an elected official of Federal Way, the owner felt as though his plight had not
been heard nor taken seriously but seeing other businesses being supported. Also, thanking
Economic Director Carter for taking the time to come to the meeting and possibly partnering
with the commission for future endeavors.
Commissioner Walker inquired about the commission MLK Black Tie Gala and whether or not
this is still a viable project to take on for MLK day and possibly adding in to the September
meeting agenda.
Commissioner Patrick mentioned the clean-up of West Hylebos Park on July 27th and the
removal of 30 yards of garbage, approximately 4 trash trucks. Another clean-up will happen on
September 14th at West Hylebos Park and if any commissioners are interested, this is a way of
engaging with the community, and all are welcomed. Stand up Federal Way community has an
outreach that engages with the community and help clean up encampments. Commissioner
Patrick mentioned his disappointment with Fire and Ice is not being involved with the
Community Festival.
Commissioner Onyejiaka inquired about the commissioner’s roles for the day of the Community
Festival.
City Commissioner Recognition special meeting on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 at 5 p.m.
NEXT MEETING:
Regular Meeting September 5, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.
Hylebos Conference Room, City Hall, Federal Way, WA
ADJOURN:
Chair Abdullah adjourned the meeting at 6:31 p.m.