Washington Women’s Commission welcomes two governor appointees, sets session priorities

Britney, the commission’s lead staff, opened the January plenary by introducing two governor-appointed commissioners and asking members to help the office track and respond to time-sensitive legislative items.

Kiana Daniels, one of the new appointees, said she is a registered nurse and the founder of an in‑home maternity and fertility skilled nursing service in the greater Seattle area and will join the health committee. Gary Walker, the other new commissioner, identified himself as a senior assistant attorney general in the Attorney General’s Office and said he would work with the safety committee.

The commission approved its minutes and agenda at the start of the meeting. Staff asked commissioners to respond promptly to time‑sensitive emails during the upcoming short legislative session and announced a move to official commissioner email accounts to consolidate communications.

Britney outlined immediate engagement priorities: forming a bipartisan women’s caucus at the legislature (staff-and-legislator kickoff planned next week), organizing the Women & Girls on the Hill event on Feb. 11 (expected 200–350 participants), and supporting testimony and outreach for agency‑tracked bills. Commissioners volunteered to help with event logistics, outreach and testimony where they have subject expertise.

The office said it will circulate a full bill tracker and requested commissioners’ quick review when items are labeled time‑sensitive. The commission also discussed the mechanics of using commissioner emails on mobile devices and options for managing multiple accounts.

The panel closed with plans to distribute committee workplans and a request that commissioners send nominations for honorees at the Women & Girls on the Hill reception within the week so invitations can be confirmed.