HomeMy WebLinkAboutAppointment memo - Didra, Marjan - 12/29/22Equity, Housing &
Human Services Department
Memorandum
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
STAFF CONTACT:
December 29, 2022
Armondo Pavone, Mayor
Maryjane Van Cleave, Equity, Housing,
Administrator
Guy B. Williams, Human Services M
7
SUBJECT: Recommendations for Appointments to the Rent n Human
Services Advisory Committee
On November 3, the city issued a press release and posted an advertisement requesting
applications for three regular member vacancies and a youth vacancy on the Renton Human
Services Advisory Committee. Seven applications were received including a youth position.
Of these seven applicants, four were interviewed, one applicant was not a Renton resident,
and two applicants did not respond to schedule an interview. We are recommending that
Carlos Michel fill the youth position, Valentine Portolano and Marjan Didra be appointed to
the two other vacant seats on the Renton Human Services Advisory Committee, leaving one
vacant position. A complete list of the seven applicants is attached for your reference. Those
highlighted in yellow are the recommendations and those not highlighted will not be
recom mended at this time.
Youth -Carlos Michel is a recent graduate of the class of 2022 from Hazen High School.
Carlos currently is attending Renton Technical College CNA program Certified RTC Nursing
Pre-Requisites CAN/Clinical Student. Carlos is active on the King County Immigrant &
Refugee Commission and former Renton municipal Arts Commissioner Hazen High School
DECA. Carlos believes that as a youth member/young adult it is vital to have a person at the
table that will advocate and have a huge voice for those young people that are not heard.
Valentine Portolano is currently the President of South Renton Connection and former
president of Sustainable Renton Food Programs. Valentine has survived poverty, domestic
violence, physical disabilities and more. These challenges have made her community
minded, and she believes that we are all stronger when working together. As a single
parent, Valentine recognizes the daily educational, safety and health concerns that parents
in our community have. Residing in the Downtown Renton core Valentine has a true heart
for the Renton community, she wants to blend her hard-earned wisdom and life experiences
to the work of the Human Services Advisory Committee.
Human Services Advisory Committee Applicants
First Name Last Name Notes
1. Carlos Michel Youth, interviewed 12/16/22
2. Elizabeth Webb Larson Does not live in Renton city limits
3. Valentine Portolano Interviewed 12/20/22
4. Jessica Hummer Interviewed 12/20/22, interests better fit
Parks Commission
5. Jerrold Jackson No interview scheduled
6. Marjan Didra Interviewed 12/20/22
7. Lindsey Arrasmith No interview scheduled