Women at the Capitol

Discussing and Advocating for Key Issues Affecting Women

A day in Olympia, WA spent meeting our civic leaders, elected and appointed officials, and State employees who are working on the issues most important to women in Washington State.

Join us on Thursday, April 17

Spend the day with some incredible women, girls, and allies to learn how our government is promoting and progressing rights and opportunities for women and girls in Washington State.

We take buses (or you can meet us there) from around the Seattle area down to Olympia. We will have afternoon tea and a conversation with the State Supreme Court Justices, a private tour of the capitol, the opportunity to meet your elected officials, and we'll end the day with a reception at the Governor's Mansion where we'll honor some outstanding leaders in the area of women's rights. Full program details below.

The bus rides are a great time to get to know women who are passionate about the causes you are, to get inspired, and (on the way home) cheers to our insightful day!

Women at the Capitol Program

Digital Program

Schedule

12:00 pm | Depart Seattle for Olympia
1:15 pm | Arrive at the Temple of Justice
1:30 pm | Tea with the State Supreme Court Justices
3:15 pm | Private campus tour & meeting elected officials
5:30 pm | Reception with food & wine at the Governor's Mansion
7:00 pm | Depart Olympia for Seattle
8:00pm | Arrive back in Seattle

Tea with the Supreme Court Justices | 1:30pm

Justice Mary Yu

Mary Yu was appointed to the Washington Supreme Court on May 16, 2014, and subsequently elected in 2014, 2016, and 2022. Justice Yu joined the Supreme Court after more than 14 years as a trial court judge in King County Superior Court where she presided over a wide variety of criminal, civil, and juvenile cases, and presided over hundreds of adoptions and other family law matters. Justice Yu is the first Asian, the first Latina, and the first member of the LGBTQ community to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court.

Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis

Justice Raquel Montoya-Lewis has been a member of the Washington State Supreme Court since January 6, 2020 after being appointed the position by Governor Jay Inslee. Justice Montoya-Lewis is an enrolled member of the Pueblo of Isleta and a descendant of the Pueblo of Laguna, two federally recognized tribes in New Mexico. At the time of her appointment, she became the second Native American to sit on a state supreme court anywhere in the country and the first in Washington state. After winning a contested election for a full six year term in 2020, she became the first Native American to win statewide office in Washington. She is also of Jewish descent.

Justice G. Helen Whitener

Justice G. Helen Whitener was appointed to the Washington State Supreme Court in April 2020 and she was subsequently elected twice by the voters to retain her position on the State Supreme Court. Prior to her appointment to Washington State’s highest court. Justice Whitener is the first Black woman to serve on the Washington State Supreme Court, the fourth immigrant-born Justice and the first Black LGBT Supreme Court Justice in the nation and the State of Washington. Justice Whitener identifies as a person with a disability and speaks often to locally, nationally, and internationally organizations on human rights, and access to justice.

Justice Salvador A. Mungia

Justice Salvador “Sal” A. Mungia was elected to the Washington Supreme Court in November 2024 and was sworn into office in January 2025. Justice Mungia is the son of immigrants: his father came from Mexico and his mother from Japan. Justice Mungia was born and raised in Tacoma. Justice Mungia has spent his legal career expanding access to the civil justice system for those who could not afford to hire an attorney. Justice Mungia took on pro bono representation of individuals, families, and class actions in both state and federal courts. His pro bono representation included prisoner rights, civil rights, and the protection of those in this country without the proper documentation.

Tour of the Capitol & Meeting your Elected Officials | 3:15pm

There are two tours to select from on the day; a private tour of the Capitol building or a private tour of the Capitol botanical grounds.

More information on setting up an appointment to meet with your local legislators can be found in the event program. You can find out who your district Representatives and Senators are here.

Reception & Honors at the Governor’s Mansion | 5:30pm

We will end the day with food, drinks, and celebrating our 2025 Honorees! This special occasion brings us together to honor the incredible achievements of our trailblazers. Our Honorees will share inspiring words that reflect their journeys and contributions.

Additionally, we are thrilled to welcome Governor Ferguson, who is scheduled to speak at 6:00pm. The atmosphere will be filled with camaraderie as we connect with the women and men in State government and our elected officials.

Join us for an evening of empowerment, connection, and celebration as we uplift each other and foster a sense of community that champions equitable leadership.

All ticket holders must show Government ID to enter the Governor’s Mansion. If you are under 18 you must have a Student ID or enter with someone over 21. If you have not purchased a ticket or your name is not on the list you will not be permitted to enter.