ICSEW and BRG Book Club Subcommittee

Our Goal

ICSEW is excited to reboot the Book Club in partnership with our Business Resource Groups (BRG)! We aim to create a vibrant and engaging reading experience, featuring a rotating selection of books curated by each BRG. These selections will highlight the unique perspectives and experiences of specific demographic groups, while also exploring themes of leadership, empowerment, and personal growth.

What We Do

The Book Club operates as a dedicated committee under the ICSEW Engagement Subcommittee. We have developed comprehensive policies, procedures, facilitator training, and resources to ensure a successful and enriching experience for all participants. We coordinate with the BRGs to select books and discussion questions to provide engaging content. The Book Club is hosted over Zoom and has a dedicated Microsoft Teams Channel called OFM-Teams-State Book Club for the book club members, discussion facilitators, and subcommittee members.

Activities Include:

Develop and maintain Book Club policies and procedures that are aligned with ICSEW's overall mission and values.
Develop comprehensive training for discussion facilitators, covering techniques for fostering inclusive and productive conversations.
Collaborate with BRGs to select diverse and relevant books that reflect their communities and interests.
Ensure a smooth transition between BRG hosts and maintain continuity throughout the program.
Design surveys to gather input from participants on book preferences.
Craft engaging emails, newsletters, and social media posts to promote the Book Club.
Research and identify sources for book procurement, including libraries, bookstores, and online retailers.
Manage the OFM-Teams-State Book Club Teams Channel and Zoom meeting calendar.

Our Leadership

Co-Chair Jennifer Whittemore

Department of Health

Jennifer.Whittemore@doh.wa.gov

Jennifer is new to, but passionate about, her work at the Department of Health. She holds a Bachelor's in English Lit (hurrah for books and reading!) and, after satisfying her wanderlust by working internationally in Holland, China, Ireland, Mexico and Israel, obtained a more useful Master of Business Administration from Washington State University. She is currently studying for her Project Management Professional certification. Jennifer is a project manager with the Center for Innovative Solutions and Program Excellence. Annually, Jennifer challenges herself to read at least 100 books and sometimes even completes it.

Co-Chair Te Young

Department of Social and Health Services

Te.Young@dshs.wa.gov

Te Young's journey in state government began in the late 1900s. Their current role is as the Strategic Projects Manager for the Human Resource Division at the Department of Social and Health Services. Te's professional toolkit includes a Paralegal degree from South Sound Community College, an Information Technology Bachelor's from The Evergreen State College, a Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, and is a PROSCI Certified Change Practitioner. Te is also a stickler for the Oxford comma and a believer in the power of two spaces after a period. Besides reading, Te unwinds by cutting up perfectly good fabric and meticulously piecing it back together to create beautiful, handcrafted quilts.

Past Book Club selections include impactful works such as:

If you are interested in joining the ICSEW and BRG Book Club, contact Jennifer.Whittemore@doh.wa.gov or Te.Young@dshs.wa.gov

Subcommittees

Sign Up!

Get news, stories and state agency resources!