WA SR8631

Washington State Senate resolution honoring Dolores Sibonga, born 1931 on Vashon Island, for her trailblazing career and advocacy for Filipino Americans and women of color

First Filipino American to graduate from the University of Washington's journalism program (1952), first Filipino American to pass the Washington State bar exam (1973), and first woman of color elected to the Seattle City Council (1978)

Co-owned The Filipino Forum newspaper and served over a decade on Seattle City Council, where she advocated for labor rights, civil rights, and introduced a reparations ordinance for Japanese American employees fired during World War II

Career included roles as public defender, deputy director of the Washington State Human Rights Commission, and service on the King County Board of Tax Appeals and Equalization

Resolution adopted April 22, 2025, encourages Washington residents to reflect on her legacy and celebrate Filipino American contributions to the state and nation