Executive Board
I have been in state service at The Department of Fish and Wildlife for almost 15 years. I have two teenagers attending school here in the Olympia School District. Our family loves to get out in the community, you can find us at classes, activities, and cultural events.
I feel fortunate to have found ICSEW. ICSEW has provided opportunities to grow and develop my leadership and facilitation skills in an amazing way. I’ve seen improvement in my day to day work duties. One of my continuing favorite elements of ICSEW is the networking. Getting the chance to engage with and work beside women from other agencies is so valuable.
I am wrapping up my term in ICSEW as Executive Chair. The position has been challenging, rewarding, and inspiring. I love what we do and am proud to be a part of it.
Department of Natural Resources
sequenna.fashana@dnr.wa.gov
Sequenna Fashana
pronounced "Sa-queen-na Fa-shaun-na"
Sequenna began her career in State Government in 2016 at the Department of Licensing working in the Licensing Service Offices as a Licensing Service Representative. She currently works for the Department of Natural Resources in Human Resources as an Investigations Consultant.
She attended her first ICSEW meeting in late 2019 when she was invited by a coworker. In August 2021 she joined the Executive Board as the Executive Secretary.
Sequenna has a passion for working with people, laughing, and spending time with her family.
Sequenna holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Washington University in Social Work, with a minor in African American Studies and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.
Health Care Authority
alyssa.woods@hca.wa.gov
Alyssa Woods began her journey in public service in June of 2022 as an Administrative Assistant at the Department of Licensing (DOL) in the Business and Professions Division. During her time working at DOL in the Boards, Commissions, and Outreach unit, she gained the necessary experience to prepare her for her role as Co- Executive Secretary. Through her dedication and hard work, she is now currently an Executive Assistant at the Health Care Authority (HCA) for the IT Innovation and Customer Experience Administration.
Her passion for connecting with others and building her resources introduced her to the opportunities within ICSEW, and she has been on the Executive Board since June of 2023. Since then, she has been able to participate at the first in-person board meeting since the pandemic, attended multiple networking sessions, helped facilitate the first 'State Book Club', and is actively participating on multiple Sub-Committees. She looks forward to continuing her work alongside the brilliant women of the State of Washington.
Department of Revenue
mariannem@dor.wa.gov
I joined ICSEW to connect with women from other Washington State agencies. Since I joined in 2017, I’ve met and worked with many amazing women. I started with the Membership Subcommittee and then became the subcommittee chair. After 4 years, I accepted the Vice Chair role.
I enjoy collaborating with ICSEW members on ways to make our committee fulfilling for all those who participate with our committee from members to guests at our meetings and trainings.
I work for Department of Revenue as a Tax Policy Manager in our Research and Fiscal Analysis division. My division focuses on providing fiscal notes and estimates to the legislators during session. Off-session, we calculate impacts for future proposals and complete legislative studies and calculations. It's busy but I love researching new topics and analyzing the impacts.
Washington State Student Achievement Council
danicam@wsac.wa.gov
Danica Mitchell is a data analyst for the WA529 College Savings Plans, administered by the Washington Student Achievement Council. She has a master's degree in business administration from Western Governor’s University and is currently engaged in furthering her data analyst skills through various learning opportunities, including certificate programs.
Danica joined ICSEW in 2018 for professional development and networking opportunities. Through ICSEW, she discovered she enjoys collaborating with others and quickly joined the membership subcommittee. She is pleased to serve as treasurer and looks forward to continued collaboration with ICSEW.
Department of Health
kaitlin.nielsen@doh.wa.gov
Kaitlin Nielsen is a public disclosure supervisor for the Washington state Department of Health. She began her journey in state service almost 8 years ago and thoroughly enjoys helping the people of Washington state. In her spare time she enjoys traveling to various places across the state, nation, and world.
She says she is excited to step into the role as treasurer because “I have always enjoyed working with numbers and have taken accounting courses. This was the perfect opportunity to expand my skillset while working with a fantastic multiagency network of women with similar values. “
Subcommittee Chairs
Employment Security Department
simone.smith@esd.wa.gov
Simone Smith is a Human Resource Consultant at the Employment Security Department and is new to state service. Simone is eager to connect and support other state employees and is thrilled to lead the Communications Committee. Simone is dedicated to promoting the messages of advocacy, diversity, and leadership.
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
chalee.batungbacal@dfw.wa.gov
Pronounced SHAY-lee BA-toong-BA-call.
Aloha ʻoukou! Hello all! My name is Chalee, and I am the Legislative Coordinator at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). I started with WDFW as a Legislative Intern for the 2019 session and have been on the Legislative Affairs team since then. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences (Biology) with a minor in Environmental Policy. I am currently in school to obtain my second bachelor’s degree in Hawaiian Pacific Studies.
I started attending ICSEW meetings in 2023 and am eager to continue building a network and community within the ICSEW. I am passionate about educating others about the legislative process and demystifying how “the sausage gets made.” I am looking forward to co-chairing the Legislative & Policy Committee and bringing my skillset to the ICSEW.
I live in Tacoma with my boyfriend, a rambunctious Pembroke Welsh Corgi, and a mischievous Maine Coon cat. When we are not working, we enjoy going for long walks in our neighborhood, exploring local restaurants and shops, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Employment Security Department
stephanie.goedecke@esd.wa.gov
Stephanie works for the Employment Security Department. She holds bachelor’s degrees in physics and electrical engineering. She started her career in the private sector in computer hardware then has worked in state government for about five years. For the last five years she has also been active in the Thurston County Food Project. Stephanie is passionate about bringing merit-based hiring and promotion practices back to our state government.
Employment Security Department
jen.ward@esd.wa.gov
Hello! My name is Jen Ward. My career in state government began in June 2020 at the Employment Security Department as an Admin Assistant 4. After 6 months, I began supporting the Commissioner’s office as an Executive Assistant until May 2023 when I became a Project Coordinator. In my current role, I’m gaining experience in Project Management by helping on different agency projects and learning a lot along the way!
I joined ICSEW in 2021 to expand my professional network, challenge myself to try something new, and to meet other women in state government. I have enjoyed ICSEW for the personal and professional development opportunities it provides, the community, and the fun! As a member of the Membership Subcommittee, I enjoy collaborating with other women to improve policies and processes that make it easier to be a part of this amazing committee. I look forward to continuing this work!
Department of Social & Health Services
kathryn.pittelkau@dshs.wa.gov
Kathryn Pittelkau is the Policy Program Manager for the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) with the DSHS Home and Community Services.
Kathryn has 25+ years of WA state service working for both HCA and DSHS. Her background includes Medicaid Provider Enrollment, Contract Management, Health Home and now running the PACE operations for the state.
Her interests are traveling, reading, working out and spending time with her family.
Kathryn holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies, with a minor in Women’s Studies from Western Washington University and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University.
Department of Natural Resources
janet.mcintosh@dnr.wa.gov
Prior to state service, Janet McIntosh spent 15 years in the scuba diving industry as a leader, showing women and girls that they had a place as dive professionals. This goal has continued at her career in state service that began in 2018 at DNR. Her first role was in working on the Geoduck Dive Team as a compliance diver and team lead. Last fall, she took a developmental assignment at the Legislative Coordinator for the 2023 session. In May of this year, she shifted gears joined the Safety Office focusing on investigations and inspections.
Janet learned about ICSEW through DNR’s internal Women’s Employee Resource Group in 2019 and began attending meetings. She became an ICSEW member in 2021 and joined the board in 2022 . She served first as executive co-secretary and is now the professional development co-chair.
Office of Administrative Hearings
connie.becker@oah.wa.gov
Connie Becker has been a Legal Administrative Manager at the Office of Administrative Hearings since August 2019 and an ICSEW member since 2021. Prior to state service, she worked as an HR director at Taholah School District and as a Legal Administrator and Paralegal in private legal practices in Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Connie earned a Bachelor of Arts in German from Western Washington University, a Paralegal Certificate from Highline Community College, and an MBA and Master’s Certificate in HR Management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Office of Administrative Hearings
connie.becker@oah.wa.gov
Connie Becker has been a Legal Administrative Manager at the Office of Administrative Hearings since August 2019 and an ICSEW member since 2021. Prior to state service, she worked as an HR director at Taholah School District and as a Legal Administrator and Paralegal in private legal practices in Seattle and Fort Lauderdale, Fl. Connie earned a Bachelor of Arts in German from Western Washington University, a Paralegal Certificate from Highline Community College, and an MBA and Master’s Certificate in HR Management from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Department of Natural Resources
janet.mcintosh@dnr.wa.gov
Prior to state service, Janet McIntosh spent 15 years in the scuba diving industry as a leader, showing women and girls that they had a place as dive professionals. This goal has continued at her career in state service that began in 2018 at DNR. Her first role was in working on the Geoduck Dive Team as a compliance diver and team lead. Last fall, she took a developmental assignment at the Legislative Coordinator for the 2023 session. In May of this year, she shifted gears joined the Safety Office focusing on investigations and inspections.
Janet learned about ICSEW through DNR’s internal Women’s Employee Resource Group in 2019 and began attending meetings. She became an ICSEW member in 2021 and joined the board in 2022 . She served first as executive co-secretary and is now the professional development co-chair.
Department of Enterprise Services
masozi.nyirenda@des.wa.gov
Masozi is a human resources business partner with the Department of Enterprise Services, DES. Prior, she served as chief of staff to Tara C. Smith, director of DES.
Masozi is deeply committed to celebrating Black Girl Magic. She actively uplifts and shines a spotlight on women and their allies who dedicate themselves to empowering and serving Black women and members of the LGBTQ+ communities. Within ICSEW, she is particularly passionate about driving tangible change and providing opportunities for Black women to have a voice and platform, while simultaneously supporting their success in the public service sector.
Masozi holds bachelor’s degrees in communications and political science, as well as a law degree. Her love for travel has taken her visiting all seven continents (and living in four) visiting and exploring more than 50 countries. In addition to ICSEW, she actively participates in other Washington state Business Resource Groups.
Biography coming soon
Department of Social and Health Services
allison.everett@dshs.wa.gov
I'm Allison and I work for DSHS/ESA/CSD as a Public Benefits Supervisor for the statewide Customer Service Contact Center. My team has a goal of transforming lives of Washingtonian's by determining eligibility for public assistance programs. I graduated from Eastern Washington University.
I have been apart of ICSEW for 3 years and I joined the Public Outreach Committee because I have a passion for helping people grow and achieve their goals and using their strengths.
I live in Eastern Washington with my husband, 2 Newfoundland dogs, and 2 cats. I enjoy spending my personal time making baked goods like breads and pies and being outdoors. I love laughing, watching a good drama or reality tv show, and spending time with my family.
Office of Financial Management
allison.spector@ofm.wa.gov
Allison is Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Data analyst at the Washington Office of Financial Management’s (OFM’s) Workforce Strategies Section. Allison started her career in state government at the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises and prior to OFM worked at the Washington State Department of Transportation’s Office of Equal Opportunity. Allison has a joint JD / MBA and a bachelor’s in psychology. Allison served on Governor Inslee’s Equity Office Taskforce which developed the recommendations that led to creation of the nation’s first statewide Office of Equity. Allison has been in state government for about five years. Allison is passionate about helping current and prospective state employees find their way in state government.
I joined ICSEW to support other women in state government and to promote visibility of transgender individuals.
ICSEW is a great supportive environment where you can meet other amazing women professionals.
My hope is that partnerships can continue to develop relationships to other groups that impact women employed in state government. I also want to foster connections with the state business resource groups and the new Office of Equity.