Spring 2026 Series
Planning Committee: Cindy Arias (Co-Chair), Edwina Fui, Fuifui Ah Kuoi, Yara Bautista-Penafiel, Chino Gonzales, Geomarc Panelo, Lupe Sam, Savann Smith, Ciara White
Graphic Designer:
The Laughter Lab: A Queer Inclusionary Comedy Afternoon
Tuesday, April 7th | 12PM-2PM | Building 7
Brought to campus by the Q Center in collaboration with the Public Speaking Center, CCIE, and the Center for Leadership and Service, Highline College presents: The Laughter Lab. A queer and inclusive afternoon of comedy with professional, touring comedians from the Seattle area. Join us for a live comedy show featuring comics who you may have seen on NPR, The Moth, Just for Laughs, The Comedy Store, and the Seattle International Comedy Competition. The show will be followed by a Q&A panel exploring the art form of live comedy and its relationship to narrative craft, intersectional identity, social commentary, and political protest. This event is free, open to the public, and is certain to provide both laughs and lively discussion! **No actual lab credits awarded for attendance**
Doors open for lunch: 12:00 PM
Comedy Sets: 12:15-1:30 PM
Facilitated Q&A with the comedians: 1:30-2:00 PM
Featuring professional touring comedians
Juno Men · Ricci Armani · Jenna Nobs
Photo of Juno Men
Juno Men is a comedian, writer, and storyteller. She is openly transgender, obviously Asian, and usually hungry. She’s performed at clubs and festivals across the country, including the Omaha Comedy Festival, Treefort Comedy Festival, Asian Comedy Festival, and All Jane Comedy Festival. She’s been featured on NPR, The Moth Radio Hour, and was voted Seattle’s Best Comedian by the Seattle Gay News in 2023. She can be found online on instagram at @SeattleJuno.
Photo of Ricci Armani
Ricci Armani, is a stand up comedian, writer and the creator/cohost of the monthly sold out show “My Straight Friends” playing out of The Comedy Store in LA and Seattle. He has been featured in Forbes article “Top AAPI Comedians To Watch” and Business Insider to discuss why getting laid off was the best thing to happen to him.
Ricci’s comedy performance is quick and witty. Covering topics from his extensive retail experience, life as a gay millennial, and stories from his past. Excellent crowd work comedian as well.
He has featured in comedy festivals including Just For Laughs in Montreal, New York Comedy Festival, Portland’s RIP City Fest, and New Mexico’s Cloudtop Comedy Festival. He will also be participating in MoonTower 2026 in Austin Texas.
Photo of Jenna Nobs
Jenna Nobs is a Seattle librarian-turned-standup. With signature impish cheekiness, she’s opened for Punkie Johnson and Ali Kolbert, and performed at Bumbershoot, Wet City Comedy Festival, and Don’t Tell Comedy, exploring everything from education to relationships to Smash Mouth.
Winter 2026 Series
Planning Committee: Fuifui Ah Kuoi, Cindy Arias, Moira Barrington, Yara Bautista-Penafiel, Elijah Taylor, Edwina Fui, Chino Gonzales, Jefferey Kurnick, Rihanna Llyod-Evans, Antaknea Majors, Htet Nandar, Ian Porter, Salma Silvia-Lincon
Graphic Designer:
King In The Wilderness – Film and Discussion – Facilitated by: Dr. Darryl Brice
Thursday, January 22nd| 11am – 1:30pm | Building 8, Mt. Constance/Olympus
Join us as we kick off the start of our MLK Series 2026! We will begin by watching “King in the Wilderness” and following it up with a discussion facilitated by Dr. Darryl Brice. We will be having an intermission during the showing of the movie and providing snacks.
Poster of King in the Wilderness movie
Directed by Peter W. Kunhardt and written by Chris Chuang, “King in the Wilderness” chronicles the final chapters of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life, revealing a conflicted leader who faced an onslaught of criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. While the Black Power movement saw his nonviolence as weakness, and President Lyndon B. Johnson saw his anti-Vietnam War speeches as irresponsible, Dr. King’s unyielding belief in peaceful protest became a testing point for a nation on the brink of chaos.
Photo of Dr. Darryl Brice
Dr. Darryl Brice, a native of Baltimore, MD, is an accomplished educator and sociologist. He earned his BS in Political Science and Justice Studies from Frostburg State University before attending Loyola University Chicago, where he completed both his MA and PhD in Sociology. Since 2003, Dr. Brice has served as an Instructor of Sociology at Highline College, where he was awarded tenure in 2007. His commitment to education in the classroom and beyond was recognized by the institution which named him Faculty Member of the Year in 2008. Dr. Brice has also been honored with the NISOD Excellence Award in 2009 and the Faculty and Staff of Color Statewide Award of Excellence in 2018.
An active contributor to his field, he has published research in several scholarly journals, including Security Journal, Race and Justice, Psych Discourse, and The Griot. Above all his professional accolades, Dr. Brice remains a loving father and husband
Feed the Future: Black Panther Party Then and Now
Wednesday, February 4th | 11am -1pm | Building 2
Join us for a presentation exploring the history and impact of the Black Panther Party. Panelists will discuss the origins of the party, its survival programs, the impact and role of women, the mental health implications, and where the party stands today. Our community will have an opportunity to ask questions, share a meal, and discuss present-day challenges with our guests. Learn more about this organization and leave with knowledge connected to volunteer opportunities that support survival programs and community care.
Take action now: Support the Tacoma chapter by participating in our donation drive. We encourage attendees to bring non-perishable food items. Additional bins will be placed in Buildings 6,8,25 between 1/20-2/4.
Photo of Ovunayo and friends
Ovunayo X is a father of one, a third-generation Black Panther, Founding Brother of the Washington State Chapter of the Black Panther Party, and former Chief of Staff. A Tacoma-based community organizer, educator, and strategist, he works on the ancestral lands of the spuyaləpabš (“people from the bend at the bottom of the river”). Since re-establishing the chapter in 2020, Ovunayo has helped expand community survival programs across Washington and Oregon, including food and clothing distribution, harm reduction, youth leadership development, neighborhood patrols, and intercommunal solidarity. Guided by Dr. Huey P. Newton’s Revolutionary Intercommunalism and Chairman Fred Hampton’s vision of solidarity, Ovunayo’s work centers on the protection and uplift of Black, Indigenous, LGBTQIA+, houseless, youth, elders, and medically fragile communities. Additional projects include street cleanups, cop watching, voter registration, community protection, resource distribution, survivor advocacy, seasonal aid, media work, and anti-gatekeeping initiatives.
Photo of Amirah
As a worker, organizer, and revolutionary leader, Amirah collaborates with people to create functional, enjoyable communities equitable to every person. Amirah strives to connect directly with people to gain a better understanding of not only what my neighbors envision for our future, but also how to empower their dreams. Amirah believes we must build together with intentional diversity and inclusivity to continue to bring out the best in humanity.
Silent Thunder: A Protest for Justice
Tuesday, February 17th | 12pm – 2pm | Inter Cultural Center (Building 8, 2nd floor, Room 204)
This program explores the legacy and power of student-led movements and the unique rights students hold to use their voices. Through a brief historical overview of protests during the Civil Rights Movement, students will learn how collective action, accessibility, and intentional organizing have shaped social change. Participants will then engage in a poster-making activity designed to spark dialogue and exercise freedom of speech through a silent protest, with completed posters displayed prominently and accessibly as a visual banner on campus.
Senior Advisor to the Vice President, Office of Minority Affairs & Diversity, University of Washington, Dr. Emile Pitre
As a UW graduate student in the late 1960’s, Emile Pitre was one of the founding Black Student Union members whose calls for diversity and equity to university leadership led to the establishment of what became the Office of Minority Affairs and Diversity (OMA&D). Since then, he has spent more than four decades with the organization, serving in various roles. Emile’s dedication to advocacy and educational opportunity for underrepresented minority, first-generation and low-income students at UW is unparalleled.
The son of a sharecropper, Pitre was born in Louisiana and grew up with seven siblings. He was the first in his family to graduate from high school and received a full-ride scholarship/fellowship for the first seven years of college. Pitre received a bachelor’s degree (magna cum laude) from Southern University and master’s degree and Ph.D. in chemistry from the UW, where he was a National Institutes of Health Fellow.
For over 20 years, Emile has served as an advisor to the UW’s Black Student Union. He also led the production of an award-winning documentary in 2007 that highlighted BSU’s role in the establishment of OMA&D
Emile is a member of Phi Beta Sigma, Incorporated and has held various leadership roles within the fraternity. He was selected as the 20th member of the Western Region Distinguished Service Society (DSS) in 2018. The Western Region Honor Society was named in his honor in 2024.
Fall 2025 Series
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:
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.
Photo of Marie Loeb MSW, LICSW, LMHC, CMHS, DMHS
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.
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.
Photo of Leona Oliveros
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
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
Photo of Rep. Gregerson
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.
Photo of Nancy McKay
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.
Photo of Gerie Ventura
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.
Photo of Loyal Allen Jr,
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.
Photo of Rahma Rashid
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.