Togetherwerise 24 147 1 Scaled Aspect Ratio 3 1

2025 Endorsements

Elect Immigrant Champions to Office

It is time for us to create our thriving home, a place where immigrants and refugees are equal, valued and loved. To get there, we need champions at all levels of government where decisions for our communities are made. OneAmerica Votes makes endorsements with the goal of increasing the power and voice of immigrant and refugee communities in government. To be endorsed by OneAmerica Votes candidates must demonstrate their commitment to work alongside us and deliver on the issues most important to our communities.

OneAmerica Votes Leaders and Board Members understand what’s at stake. They come together to interview and vote to endorse candidates who have pledged to create a thriving home where:

Families are together and free
We are all safe
We all have equal access to opportunity
We all belong
We all have our voices heard
We all have what we need

OneAmerica Votes will be screening candidates this spring for endorsement for elections around the state. Stay tuned for more information about our future endorsed slate of candidates.

Rami Al-Kabra

Bothell City Council, Position 7
Jane Aras

Bellevue School Board, Position 5
Mohamed Egal

SeaTac City Council, Position 4
Dionne Foster

Seattle City Council, Position 9
Hugo Garcia

Burien City Council, Position 1
Toshiko Hasegawa

Port of Seattle Commission, Position 4
Hamdi Mohamed

Port of Seattle Commission, Position 3
Kathy Mulkerin

Walla Walla Public School Board, Position 1
Diana H. Perez

Vancouver City Council, Position 3
Alexis Mercedes Rinck

Seattle City Council, Position 8
Carmen Rivera

Renton City Council, Position 2
Osman Salahuddin

Legislative District 48, Position 1
Vivian Song

Seattle Public School Board, District 5
Brianna Thomas

Legislative District 34, Position 1
Sandra Zavala-Ortega

Vancouver School Board, Position 2

Bothell City Council, Position 7

Rami Al-Kabra

Pronouns: He/him

Rami Al-Kabra, a lifelong bridge-builder and advocate for human and civil rights, is the first immigrant, Muslim American elected to Bothell City Council and to serve as Deputy Mayor. When he turned 18, his parents sacrificed a great deal to send him on a one-way trip to America for the promise of a better education and future. He worked hard to get the most from his education and build a better life for his family. Today, he is fortunate to have called Bothell home for the last 16 years, to have raised his children in this community, and to have served as a City Councilmember for the last 4 years. He is currently the only Palestinian American to hold elected office in Washington State.

Visit Rami Al-Kabra’s website to learn more.

Bellevue School Board, Position 5

Jane Aras

Pronouns: She/her

My name is Jane Aras, and I am a proud parent of three children, an educator, and currently serving as Bellevue School Board Director for Position 5. When I last ran for office, I shared my experience as a teacher working with a diverse group of students, including the highly capable, those with special needs, individuals facing mental health challenges, new immigrants, English language learners, and historically marginalized communities. From this experience, I made three commitments as a board director: to re-establish trust in our learning community, to address ongoing social, emotional, and mental health challenges, and to guarantee equitable access to high-quality education for every student. With your endorsement, I have worked diligently and tirelessly on these commitments. We’ve hired an outstanding superintendent, established financial transparency, and created a strategic plan to close the educational gap, particularly for students who are furthest away from educational justice. However, I recognize that circumstances have evolved since I first began serving on the board amidst the COVID pandemic. It is crucial for me to hear from you to ensure we are addressing the new issues that have arisen. With your support, as your re-elected school board director, I will continue to center our community’s values and the interests of our children in every decision and policy. My goal is for our students to feel as empowered, supported, and safe as I did in the classroom with my third-grade teacher. Together, we can build a stronger future for our learning community.

Visit Jane Aras’ website for more information.

SeaTac City Council, Position 4

Mohamed Egal

Pronouns: He/him/his

Born in Somalia, Mohamed Egal overcame challenging circumstances to build a new future in the United States. He worked his way up as a longtime social worker and program manager, dedicating his career to supporting seniors and vulnerable communities. His work with Northwest Harvest helped ensure the delivery of hot meals and fresh produce to seniors in SeaTac and Tukwila. was elected to the SeaTac City Council in 2021 and currently serves as the city’s Mayor. He is the former Chair of the Planning and Economic Development and Sidewalk Advisory Committees and has served as a member of the Parks & Recreation Committee and the Soundside Alliance. Through his work with the Alliance—representing the southside communities of Burien, Des Moines, Normandy Park, SeaTac, and Tukwila—he has been a strong advocate for economic growth, business development, and regional equity. As a council member, Mohamed has prioritized small business development, human services, affordable housing, workforce development, and public safety. He has championed initiatives to improve residents’ quality of life, including expanding sidewalks and enhancing public safety measures.

Learn more by visiting Mohamed Egal’s website.

Seattle City Council, Position 9

Dionne Foster

Pronouns: She/her

Dionne Foster has spent the last 15 years working towards improved access and outcomes for all people, but especially the most vulnerable. Dionne put herself through college with grants, loans and working part-time jobs. She was honored to earn the Spirit of King Award as an undergraduate for her commitment to civil rights and justice and the Dennis-Weathers award for dedication to increasing cross-cultural awareness. While working as a waitress after graduation, Dionne welcomed her son and was able to do so with the support of affordable healthcare through Apple Health. She then went on to earn her Masters in Social Work from the University of Washington, where she returned to train students as an adjunct faculty member. Later, the Seattle Downpayment Assistance Program made homeownership possible for Dionne and her family, providing the foundation for housing stability and generational wealth.

Because of the opportunities she was given, Dionne has been able to commit her career to the service of improving people’s lives through work in nonprofits, government and philanthropy.

She lives in South Seattle with her son and their COVID rescue dog. She’s a lifetime WNBA fan (Go Storm!) and loves to be outside, rain, snow or shine. Dionne is a proud gardener and donates some of her yield every year to our local food banks.

Learn more by visiting Dionne Foster’s website.

Burien City Council, Position 1

Hugo Garcia

Pronouns: He/him/el

I’m a proud Mexican immigrant who came to the U.S. at eight years old in 1988, joining my dad, who had been working in his cousin’s restaurant in downtown Seattle. Him and my mom built our lives in unincorporated King County before it became the city of Burien, chasing the American Dream with hard work and resiliency. As a kid, I became my family’s interpreter and advocate — navigating healthcare, banking, and schools — and THAT experience drives me to fight for working families and immigrants like us. Today, immigrants are being targeted and torn from their families for daring to dream of working hard like we did. I refuse to stand by. I’m ready to use my voice, my privilege, and my lived experience working across the private (15 years in local banking) , non-profit (4 years for Community Development with Craft3.org), and public sectors (4 years for King County Economic Development) to defend and empower fellow immigrants. Burien’s strength has always been its people — working-class families and immigrants who refuse to be pushed aside. I’m up for the challenge of protecting Burien’s legacy as a welcoming city and will fight for policies that keep it that way. Our future depends on it.

Visit Hugo Garcia’s website to learn more.

Port of Seattle Commission, Position 4

Toshiko Hasegawa

Pronouns: She/her

Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa serves as President of the Port of Seattle Commission, where she champions the Port’s role as a people-first gateway to the world—welcoming travelers, immigrants, and workers from every corner of the globe. Equidistant between Asia and Europe, Seattle is more than a strategic hub for global trade; it’s a critical point of entry for those seeking safety, opportunity, and connection. A fourth-generation Japanese American from Beacon Hill and descendant of WWII incarcerees, Toshiko draws from her family’s history to advocate for civil rights and ensure that the Port uplifts communities that have historically been left behind. Her work focuses on integrating equity into environmental and economic policy, because she believes that prosperity means nothing if it isn’t shared.

Visit Toshiko Hasegawa’s website to learn more.

Port of Seattle Commission, Position 3

Hamdi Mohamed

Pronouns: She/her

I came to the U.S. when I was three years old with my family, after the outbreak of a civil war in Somalia. One of our first ports of entry into America was at Sea-Tac Airport. Similar to many families, we came to the United States to build a better life and contribute to our new home. I grew up watching my mother juggle her job at Sea-Tac Airport, her job as a daycare provider, and her home responsibilities. When I was 15, I started working as an elementary school tutor through Team Read and working at our local businesses to help my family make ends meet. I also grew up hearing about the challenges my father faced as a trucker, especially when a workplace injury left him with 50% vision and multiple broken bones, making access to quality healthcare a constant struggle. My parents’ experiences taught me firsthand the importance of advocating for policies that ensure working people have access to the resources they need to thrive.

The experiences of my family—my mother’s jobs at Sea-Tac, my father’s life as a truck driver, and my cousins’ work at the Port of Seattle facilities—have given me a deep understanding of the everyday challenges faced by working people, especially those who keep our ports running both locally and globally.

Today, I have dedicated my life to public service, advocating for small businesses and working families at the local and federal levels. I live in South King County with my husband, and we are both University of Washington graduates, now raising our son in the region we love. I’m a proud aunty and mentor to dozens of young people, and I’m working hard to protect their generation’s future and beyond. In addition to my work at the Port, I serve as a Department Director for the City of Seattle where I am responsible for implementing policies, overseeing programs, and managing budgets to serve the city’s residents.

Visit Hamdi Mohamed’s website to learn more.

Walla Walla Public School Board, Position 1

Kathy Mulkerin

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Kathy Mulkerin grew up in Walla Walla. She attended Walla Walla Public Schools, K-12, at Prospect Point Elementary School, Garrison Junior High and Graduated from Walla Walla High School. She went on to attend college at the University of Portland earning a BA in Psychology. She holds a Montessori Teaching certificate from the Montessori Institute Northwest, a Masters of Education, Primary Montessori from Loyola University Maryland and a Masters of Professional Studies, Paralegal Studies from The George Washington University. A life-long volunteer, Kathy started her volunteer career as a teen at the YWCA of Walla Walla. In 2018, Kathy was recognized by the organization as one of Walla Walla’s Most Inspiring Women. Kathy was a member of the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) Legislative committee for three years. She is a member of the Washington Commission of African American Affairs (WCAAA) Study & Work Group that is creating a report of recommendation to the Educational Opportunity Gap Oversight and Accountability Committee (EOGOAC). Kathy continues her promise to promote education for all children to ensure our community is a more positive, equitable and sustainable society.

Vancouver City Council, Position 3

Diana H. Perez

Pronouns: She/her/ella

Diana H. Perez is a lifelong public servant, community advocate and trusted leader with over 30 years of experience in federal public land and natural resource management, civil rights, and public policy. Diana currently serves as a Vancouver City Councilmember and has played a critical role in advancing equity-focused policy, housing advocacy, and inclusive economic development. She holds a Master’s in Fisheries Science from Oregon State University, a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Management from Texas Tech University, and an Executive Women in Leadership certificate from Cornell University. Rooted in values of justice, environmental stewardship, and collaborative leadership, Diana is working to build a Vancouver that is healthy, inclusive, and thriving—for everyone.

Visit Diana Perez’ website to learn more.

Seattle City Council, Position 8

Alexis Mercedes Rinck

Pronouns: She/her/hers

Alexis Mercedes Rinck has a reputation for bringing people together around solutions – and making them happen. She has spent her life taking on the tough fights: championing regional agreements at the Sound Cities Association and KCRHA, organizing marches against the actions of the Trump Administration, and educating communities about corporate money’s influence in elections and policy.

Having witnessed firsthand the impacts of incarceration, homelessness and substance use disorder, Alexis fights for progressive change and housing equity because she knows what it is to struggle. Having won a special election for District 8 on the city council last fall, she believes that it’s time for the next generation of Seattle leaders to step up and shape the city’s future.

A renter, transit rider, former restaurant worker, and multi-racial woman, Alexis will bring important representation and an abundance of expertise to the City Council to ensure Seattle is affordable, safe and welcoming for all.

Visit Alexis Mercedes Rinck’s website to learn more.

Renton City Council, Position 2

Carmen Rivera

Pronouns: She/her

Carmen Rivera is a Renton City Councilmember, educator, and proud queer Boricua leader running for re-election in 2025. Born and raised in Renton, she brings lived experience and deep roots in social services, education, and policy advocacy. Carmen has worked in juvenile rehabilitation, youth workforce development, and now serves as an Assistant Teaching Professor and Assistant Dean at Seattle University. On Council, she has advocated for renter protections, supported Renton’s Raise the Wage campaign, and consistently fought for working-class communities. She is committed to a more just and inclusive Renton where every resident, regardless of immigration status, race, or identity, has the power and support to thrive.

Visit Carmen Rivera’s website to learn more.

Legislative District 48, Position 1

Osman Salahuddin

Pronouns: He/him

Osman Salahuddin was raised in Redmond, where he has spent nearly his entire life. His drive to serve his community is rooted in his parents’ immigrant journey in pursuit of the American Dream. His mother has dedicated 20 years as a union-represented special education preschool paraeducator, while his father is a 35+ year small business owner. When hate surged during Trump’s first term, Osman was inspired by his parents’ resilience to stand up for the values that protect everyone.

After graduating from local public schools in the 48th LD, Osman attended the University of Washington, where he graduated with a BS in neurobiology while serving in his first foray in elected office as Student Body President, representing 45,000 students. He led on student issues like equity, international student health insurance, and affordable housing.

Before being elected, Osman worked as a researcher at Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center as well as the UW Medical Center in the Emergency Department. He has served his community on the Redmond City Council, worked for the King County Council, and contributed to non-profit boards and committees, including the Transportation Choices Coalition Board, LWSD Career and Technical Education Committee, and Asian Pacific Islander Americans for Civic Empowerment Board.

Visit Osman Salahuddin’s website.

Seattle Public School Board, District 5

Vivian Song

Pronouns: She/her

Vivian Song is a current Seattle Public Schools parent, finance professional, and a previous school board director. She holds a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University and a Masters in Business Administration from Harvard Business School. With 25+ years volunteering in youth and immigrant communities, she currently serves on multiple boards including the Denise Louie Education Center, Children’s Alliance, and Jewish Family Service. As a daughter of immigrants who began as an “English as a Second Language” student with a hearing disability, Vivian deeply understands education’s transformative power and champions progressive causes through her leadership roles.

Visit Vivian Song’s website to learn more.

Legislative District 34, Position 1

Brianna Thomas

Brianna Thomas represents the 34^th District, which includes West Seattle, Vashon Island, Maury Island, White Center, west Burien, downtown Seattle, and Georgetown. Brianna has spent her entire career in public service and community advocacy. Prior to her appointment to the Legislature in 2025, Brianna worked as a staffer in the Washington State Senate, policy advisor in the Seattle Mayor’s Office, field director at the Washington Housing Alliance Action Fund, and a campaign manager for the $15 minimum wage in SeaTac. Brianna is a graduate of the University of Washington. Brianna lives in West Seattle and loves dinner theater.

Sandra Zavala 2025 Scaled Aspect Ratio 1 1

Vancouver School Board, Position 2

Sandra Zavala-Ortega

Pronouns: She/her/ella

Sandra Zavala-Ortega is a proud graduate of Vancouver Public Schools (VPS), a dedicated school board director, and a passionate community leader whose lived experiences as a first-generation college student and proud daughter of immigrants deeply inform her commitment to educational equity. As an immigrant herself and mother to a bilingual child on the autism spectrum, Sandra understands the unique challenges faced by diverse learners and families. She currently serves as the Director for the LULAC National Educational Service Center (LNESC), where she supports first-generation and low-income students in pursuing college and career success. Sandra is also a Leadership Consultant for the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA) and has served on its Legislative Committee, advocating for policies that uplift diverse student populations. Her professional background includes work as a Family-Community Resource Coordinator, mentor, and small business owner, with a consistent focus on serving underserved communities. She is actively involved in her community through the Clark County Community Action Advisory Board and as a board member of Latino Leadership Northwest. A two-time Marshall Leadership Award Finalist (2023 and 2024) and sought-after speaker, Sandra is committed to responsible budgeting, academic excellence, and building trust between schools and families to ensure every student has the resources and support to thrive.

Visit Sandra Zavala-Ortega’s website to learn more.