Reflection Series
The Reflection Series is a a series of videos and testmonials from Washington State Agencies explaining the lessons learned and improvements made. We learn first hand from those doing the work so that other agencies and teams can benefit from the lessons learned and improvements of their colleagues.
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Video |
Summary |
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Driving Equity Forward: Megan Matthews, the Director of the Office of Equity, provided compelling insights into the office's mission to foster equitable access to opportunities and resources aimed at reducing disparities within state government. Megan highlighted some innovative plans for 2025, emphasizing the importance of engaging with the community and ensuring accountability within government systems. It was a thought-provoking conversation that left us eager to see how these initiatives will evolve and positively impact our state. |
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Bridging the Pay Gap: Eliza Craig, the Communications and Outreach Coordinator for the Washington State Women’s Commission, shared about an ongoing impactful statewide campaign that seeks to bring together elected officials and state agencies, business and labor leaders, and academics to close the pay gap for Washington women and girls. |
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Improving Outcomes, Enhancing Well-Being Rain Carei, a psychologist with the Department of Corrections, shared insights about an inspiring project called Redesigning Quality Indicators, which aims to improve outcomes and enhance job satisfaction. In her interview, she discussed the connection between quality indicators, service provision, client recovery, and the reduction of staff burnout. |
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Preserving Heritage, Promoting Justice Allyson Brooks, the Executive Director of the Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation, is involved in an exciting ongoing project focused on promoting equity and environmental justice by identifying cultural resources across Washington State. She is eager to share her thoughtful, people-centered approach that aims to preserve culturally significant sites, although there is still much work to be done. |
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Integrating Lean and Equity for Impact Jeremy Walker, an Equity Analyst with the Department of Commerce, discussed a project that showcases how his division and agency are thoughtfully and intentionally integrating Lean principles into their equity work. This initiative, which covers a range of services, is not merely a task but a mission aimed at supporting, valuing, and uplifting the people of Washington. |
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Efficiency for Better Care Beth Adams, the Lean and Continuous Improvement Manager at the Department of Social and Health Services (ALTSA), discussed a project focused on streamlining the process for individual providers to connect with and start working with their clients. The goal of this initiative is to reduce the time it takes for providers to begin delivering care to the adult population in need of their services. |
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Empowering People Through Equity Marie Burrows serves as the HR Director of People and Culture at the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD). She discusses a project aimed at applying an equity lens to employee engagement data with the goal of enhancing the overall employee experience at ESD. |
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Amplifying Voices, Empowering Change Sam Fennell, the Operations and Policy Manager at the LGBTQ Commission, spoke passionately about a significant project designed to give LGBTQ youth and young adults a platform to express their concerns regarding policy and government. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the challenges they face and empower them to lead the next generation. |
Agency Success Stories
State agencies are expected to embed Lean and continuous improvement strategies to deliver effective, efficient, and improved customer services and program outcomes. Through these strategies, many agencies have had great successes with innovative ideas, and we would like you to share those successes with us! These success stories will replace the cabinet agencies' previous annual Lean project reporting expectations.
We plan to publish information from the success stories for Lean and continuous improvement/Community of Practice learning opportunities, the governor's Lean conference speech and talking points for the monthly performance reviews, and other public communications along with the annual report.
To submit a success story on behalf of your agency, click the button below!
Featured Success Stories
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Agency |
Summary |
Story Link |
| Department of Corrections | DOC provides an in depth dive in into Lean projects to improve the intake process at hte Washington Corrections Center | Story |
| Department of Revenue | Revenue has a great story about continuous improvement applied to their estate tax program | Story |
