Who We Are

 

Image
RAIN members at Olympia pride parade

 

Background

The Washington State LGBTQ+ Business Resource Group, RAIN (Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network), established via Governor’s Directive 16-11, is focused on advising and developing strategies for creating safe, diverse, and inclusive workplaces for our LGBTQ+ employees, allies, and customers.

Mission

RAIN exists to help Washington State create safe and inclusive workplaces where every LGBTQ+ employee can bring their full authentic self to work, enabling them to do their best work every day for the people of Washington. 

Purpose

Advise and develop strategies for creating safe, diverse, and inclusive workplaces for our LGBTQ+ employees and customers.

Identify best practices for employers and employees within state public service agencies and institutions.

Work with the Governor’s Policy Office and Office of Financial Management to develop and maintain a statewide Safe Place program for public-facing state offices so customers potentially facing harassment can connect with emergency and related services.

Goals for 2025

  • Further develop two new leadership positions.
  • Continue to create and offer trainings to support LGBTQ+ individuals.
  • Create a social media policy.
  • Increase active membership, meeting attendance, and meeting engagement.
  • Set a standard booking procedure for guest speakers to ensure consistent and timely reservations.
  • Establish sustainable funding for RAIN to support operations and expand visibility at pride events.

Annual Report

Each year, RAIN publishes an annual report, documenting our achievements from the prior year and making goals for the year to come. See our most recent annual reports:

2021-22 Annual Report

2022-23 Annual Report

2023-24 Annual Report

2024-25 Annual Report (TBD)

Charter

Rainbow Alliance & Inclusion Network (RAIN) charter [PDF]

Executive Sponsor

Image
Lisa Keating with dark purple hair, wearing a medium blue crew neck t-shirt, stands smiling in front of a gray vignette background.

Lisa Keating (Interim)

2025 Officers

Co-Chair

Image
Portrait of Co-Chair Mark Metzger

Mark Metzger
(he/him)

Co-Chair

Image
Miranda Lewis

Miranda Lewis
(she/they)

Finance & Budget Manager

Image
Michelle Wieburg

Michelle Wieburg
(she/her)

Administrative Liaison

Image
Zoey Hogan

Zoey Hogan
(she/they)

Administrative Liaison

Image
McKenzie Grenz

McKenzie Grenz
(she/they)

Project Manager 

Image
Ariel Kay-Barto

Ariel Kay-Barto
(she/her)