Drafter
Clerk 09/07/2017
Title
AN ORDINANCE creating the Ruth Woo emerging leaders fellowship program; and adding a new section to K.C.C. chapter 3.12.
Body
PREAMBLE:
The Ruth Woo emerging leaders fellowship program is named after revered community leader Ruth Woo. Woo started her career in public service as an administrative professional to former Governor Dan Evans and later became a mentor to several elected officials, including former King County Executive Gary Locke.
At a young age, Woo witnessed the impacts of policymaking when she and her family were incarcerated at Tule Lake during World War II. This life event motivated Woo to use her influence to increase diversity in government institutions to ensure they reflect the communities they serve.
In memory of her public service and to commemorate her passing on July 13, 2016, this program honors her life's work and passion in opening doors for youth from backgrounds that have historically lacked equitable access to education, employment and professional development opportunities to enter public service.
This program will also further the county's Equity and Social Justice Strategic Plan 2016-2022 objectives that, "(by) 2022, all departments and agencies have fully active school-to-work pipelines from economically disadvantaged communities." In addition, it will further the plan's goal that "(m)ost of our workforce - at every level of all agencies/departments - consistently reflect our region's changing demographics."
It is the county's desire that upon completion of the fellowship, the Ruth Woo fellow understands the branches of government and the importance of civic engagement, and appreciates public service in its many forms, such as by elected officials, staff, stakeholders and the public.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE COUNCIL OF KING COUNTY:
NEW SECTION. SECTION 1. There is hereby added to K.C.C. chapter 3.12 a new section to read as follows:
A. The Ruth Woo emerging leaders fellowship is hereby crea...

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