Confluence News Media

Honoring the Legacy of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg By Kellie Hale "I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability." — Ruth Bader Ginsburg Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) was a trailblazer for women’s rights in America. When discussing her legacy, RBG said, "To make life a little better for people less fortunate than you, that's what I think a meaningful life is. One lives not just for oneself but for one's community."  That quote encompasses the type of person Ruth was, a champion for [...]

By Kellie Hale The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deemed October as Cybersecurity month to highlight the broad effort to make sure Americans understand how to stay safe and secure in an online environment. This year’s theme is “#BeCyberSmart”, is crucial during times as “the line between our online and offline lives” have become interchangeable.    #BeCyberSmart theme is used to empower individuals, along with organizations about their roles to protect themselves against cyber-attacks. The overall goal is to have our interconnected world remain safe and secure, but most of all, resilient. Dr. [...]

“How to Be an Antiracist”, Ibram X. Kendi – Discussions within our Criminal Justice Programs By Mary Weir “Antiracist: One who is supporting an anti-racist policy through their actions or expressing an anti-racist idea.” (Kendi 2019, 13). “An antiracist idea is any idea that suggests the racial groups are equals in all their apparent differences – that there is nothing right or wrong with any racial group. Antiracist ideas argue that racist policies are the cause of racial inequities.” (Kendi 2019, 20). On September 14th, members of the Criminal Justice working group met together to discuss the first eleven chapters [...]

Welcome Brianna Rockenstire, Director for Center of Excellence Information and Computing Technology (ICT) The Center of Excellence for ICT provides research and reports on industry trends, current and future workforce demand, industry perceptions of the CTC system and its graduates, and emerging technology developments. Additionally, the Center works to create information, awareness, and stimulate enrollments in IT programs across the state’s community and technical college’s system through marketing and advertising campaigns. Brianna Rockenstire is the new Executive Director for the Center of Excellence for Information and Computing Technology. In this role, she hopes to create new opportunities for IT students [...]

Confluence serves as an intersection where we share events, interests, and important information about our Center and the state’s all-hazard emergency management pathway programs.

Please join us in welcoming Lorraine Churchill as a contributing podcaster to the Center of Excellence! We met Lorraine at the annual Washington State Emergency Management Association (WSEMA) conference and asked her to join us as an Advisory Board member for the Center, a role she has proudly held for the past three years. Lorraine’s daily life includes service as an emergency management and homeland security professional, with a unique blend of leadership and management sense, collaborative business development aptitude, and relationship-building experience delivering results vital in diverse, dynamic, domestic and international environments. Her current focus under this umbrella includes [...]

From September 15 to October 15, the United States recognizes and celebrates the contributions and influences of Hispanic Americans through their history, culture, achievements. Originally referred to as Hispanic Heritage Week back in 1968 when it was first established. Twenty-years later, it was expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988 when Representative Esteban Edward Torres and Senator Paul Simon sponsored and amended the change, which was then signed into law by President Ronald Reagan. The reason the date of September 15 was chosen as the starting date to commemorate National Hispanic Month is because it centers around the anniversary of [...]

By Kellie Hale September is recognized at National Preparedness Month (NPM). It was launched back in 2004 by FEMA through the organizations Ready Campaign as a way to promote disaster planning for families and communities. With COVID-19 continuing to impact our nation, it is the perfect opportunity to be involved in NPM. Ready.gov provides a week-by-week plan of activities for September you can partake in with your family on how to be better prepared. Such activities include Make A Plan, Build A Kit, Prepare for Disasters, and Teach Youth About Preparedness. Understanding more about the ways you can be prepared for [...]

Our Center will focus on expanding the training and education activities available through the HSEM Institute. These trainings will provide professional development opportunities for faculty, industry professionals, and students. Trainings will be in the All-Hazards Emergency Management fields (Criminal Justice, HSEM, Occupational Health and Safety, EMT/EMS, Fire Command/Fire Services and Cybersecurity). Business Continuity Planning, Resilience and Recovery, FEMA fundamentals, and Mental Health in Disaster Management have been identified as priority training. These courses will help students, faculty, and industry professionals gain awareness of industry needs, while staying current, and leveraging existing strengths and partnerships. Instructors will be industry experts who [...]