Fall 2025 Series

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Planning Committee: Cindy Arias (Co-Chair), Edwina Fui (Co-Chair), Fuifui Ah Kuoi, Yara Bautista-Penafiel, Chino Gonzales, Tyswanekwa Crosby, Yuan Fernandez Granil, & Raman Kaur.
Graphic Designer:

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Neurodivergent Belonging Workshops with Marie Loeb MSW, LICSW, LMHC, CMHS, DMHS

Tuesday, October 7, 2025  | 1:00 pm-1:50 pm & 2:00-2:50 pm | Bldg 8-Mt Constance/Olympus

RSVP Here: https://forms.gle/4jkufsBJmPtWnkfa8 

Workshop #1 Neurodivergent Belonging: Finding Your Shape

In this workshop, students will learn basic understanding of neurodiversity generally, and about themselves specifically, through completing a series of prompts and exercises to understand themselves and their needs. Students can expect to learn about their sensory needs, unique ways that their brains work, how their nervous systems respond to stimuli, and how they would like to be supported by others. Students may work on the prompts alone, with others, or take them to work on after the workshop.

Workshop #2 Neurodivergent Belonging: Connecting with Other Shapes

In this workshop, students will learn about beginning, building, and maintaining friendships in their own unique ways through a combination of instruction and exercise. Students can expect to learn about starting conversations without a reliance on neurotypical constructs such as small talk, “keeping things light,” and inauthenticity. Students may work on the prompts alone, with others, or take them to work on after the workshop.

 

Marie Loeb, MSW, LICSW, LMHC, CMHS, DMHS (any/all pronouns) founded HCF after raising two Autistic children and later discovering their own Autistic identity. Their experiences advocating against stigma and harmful systems inspired a practice rooted in affirmation and client-led care. Over the past five years, Holistic Child and Family has grown to specialize in supporting neurodivergent, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, disabled, kink-aligned, and polyamorous clients across Washington State.

 

 

 

 

 

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Informed & Empowered: A discussion about Politics & Media Literacy with
Leona Oliveros and Dra. Maribel Jimenez

Tuesday, October 14, 2025 | 2:00 pm-3:30 PM | Building 2

If you ever catch yourself doomscrolling online, it can feel like there is a breaking news story happening every minute of the day. Media and politics are intertwined and a part of our daily lives. Let’s learn how to be mindful of the information and content we consume. Join us for a workshop focused on curating a mindful social media algorithm, identifying news bias, and staying informed and empowered about what’s happening around the world.

 

Leona Oliveros is an educator and storyteller with experience spanning alternative education, public broadcasting, and social media content development. Leona currently teaches at Highline College in the Communications department (CMST) and the High School Re-engagement program (HSEAS).

 

 

 

 

 

 

  Photo and bio of Dra. Maribel Jimenez coming soon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Homecoming: Connect & Thrive

Wednesday, November 19, 2025 | 1:00 pm-4:00 pm | Bldg 8 – Mt. Townsend

 

In connection with our theme, join us for a day of community celebration! We will host an Alumni panel centering on reflection, storytelling, and celebration. Following the panel discussion will be a resource fair highlighting local community organizations and partners of Highline.

Organizations/Departments Tabling 

• Highline Heritage Museum
• API Chaya
• South Kind County Trups
• UTOPIA Washington
• Q-Center

Panelists

Representative Mia Gregerson (She/Her)

Mia was first appointed in 2013 to represent the 33rd Legislative District, including SeaTac, Normandy Park, Des Moines, and parts of Kent, Burien, Renton, and unincorporated King County. She prides herself in representing one of the most racially diverse districts in the state. In the summer of 2023, Mia was appointed to serve on the board of directors of the Washington State Investment Board, and was assigned to WSIB’s Public Markets Committee in the fall of 2023. Mia has spent more than 40 years in South King County and holds degrees from Highline Community College and the University of Washington. Prior to her service as a state representative, Mia worked as a surgical assistant and business manager in the dental field for nearly 20 years. Mia is one of four generations of her family in the South King County area.

 

 

 

Nancy McKay (She/Her)

Nancy Salguero is the Executive Director of the Highline Heritage Museum and the first Mexican-born museum director in Washington State. Originally from Mexico City, Nancy has dedicated nearly 20 years to preserving and celebrating the stories, cultures, and people of the Highline region. Through her leadership, the museum has become a space where community members see their histories honored and their voices reflected. In addition to her museum work, Nancy taught Exhibit Design for the University of Washington’s Professional and Continuing Education program, helping emerging professionals understand the power of storytelling through design. Her contributions have been recognized with awards from the Washington Museum Association, the Association of King County Historical Organizations, and the City of Burien, where she was named 2022 Citizen of the Year and others. Nancy has also served on multiple nonprofit boards, including her role as past Chair of the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, Washington Museum Association Board, and others, continuing her commitment to connecting culture, education, and community across the region.

 

 

Gerie Ventura (She/They)

Gerie Ventura started working in the Highline Library as a work study student over 30 years ago and now she’s the Associate Dean of Library and Learning Resources. Many students, faculty, and staff recognize her as “Aunty Gerie”. In her spare time she enjoys being a “foodie”, writer, and poet. She enjoys playing Pokemon Go, researching her Filipino family genealogy, and writing about growing up brown in Tacoma, Washington. Gerie currently resides in Tukwila, just south of Seattle.

 

 

 

 

Loyal Allen Jr., M.A.

Loyal Allen Jr. was born and raised in Seattle, WA. Graduating from Rainier Beach High School, he is a first-generation graduate who received his Associate of Arts from Highline College in 2002. While working part-time at Costco, he attended Seattle University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work in 2008. Loyal ran track for Highline and Seattle U. In 2009 Loyal started working part-time at Highline College as a program assistant for Workforce Education Services. He received his Master’s Degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, Seattle in 2014. Currently serving as the Associate Dean for Student Funding Services at Highline, Loyal administers Financial Aid, Workforce Education Services and Veterans Services.
Loyal is a proud Seattle native with deep roots in the community and is passionate about mentoring youth and facilitating educational opportunities for students. Loyal is the Head Coach for South Central Athletic Association (SCAA) a youth summer track & field program he began running for at 9 years old. He is a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Incorporated. Through these avenues he gives back to his community to promote leadership, social justice, and higher education. In his spare time he enjoys sports, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

 

Rahma Rashid

Rahma Rashid is the Founder and Executive Director of Muslimahs Against Abuse Center (MAAC), a nonprofit serving women, youth, and families in South King County. Since 2020, MAAC has provided trauma-informed, culturally grounded support to empower survivors of violence and foster healing. Rahma holds a BA in Education, a Master’s in Higher Education, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Education, focusing on trauma-informed learning practices.

In addition to her work at MAAC, Rahma serves on the Washington State Women’s Commission Community Engagement Committee and has contributed to several organizational boards. Her leadership bridges advocacy, education, and storytelling, amplifying the voices of women of color and immigrant families while advancing equity. As a mother, educator, and survivor, Rahma embodies resilience and purpose, inspiring others to turn hardship into healing and empowerment. She is committed to ensuring every woman has safety, dignity, and the chance to thrive.