My name is Zazil, and I’m the Executive Assistant at the ASHHO Cultural Community Center in Tumwater. But before I ever worked here, I walked through ASHHO’s doors looking for something I didn’t even know how to name at the time—belonging.
Back in 2023, I was craving connection, a space where I could show up fully as myself. That search brought me to one of ASHHO’s community healing workshops. From the moment I stepped inside, I felt it—an energy of joy, warmth, and welcome. Smiles, laughter, food laid out beautifully, people eager to connect. I remember thinking, This is it. This is what community feels like. I came back the next month, and then the next. Soon, ASHHO became part of me, and when a job opened, I knew I wanted to give back to the place that had already given me so much.
Now, working here every day, my favorite thing is watching new people walk in for the first time. I see their faces change when they realize they’re safe here—that they don’t have to shrink themselves. The art on the walls, the representation of so many cultures, the feeling of being honored for simply being who you are—it’s transformative. Some people laugh here, some cry, some dance. We experience the full spectrum of human emotion together. That’s the beauty of ASHHO.
As an immigrant, this feels deeply personal. My parents brought me to the U.S. as a baby, and for most of my 38 years, I’ve rarely been in spaces where my heritage and ancestors were not only represented, but celebrated. To walk into work every day and feel honored just for being me—it’s life changing. I want that for everyone, no matter your background. Because here, you’re empowered just by showing up as yourself.
I think of ASHHO as a lighthouse in our community. Each person who walks in adds to the light, making it brighter for everyone else. In a world that so often pushes division, hate, and prejudice across our screens, ASHHO is the opposite. It’s a place of joy, safety, connection—and yes, delicious food.
“I think of ASHHO as a lighthouse in our community. Each person who walks in adds to the light, making it brighter for everyone else.”
My hope is that one day there will be ASHHO community centers across the state, maybe across the country. Because every community deserves a place where people can belong, unite, and be uplifted. Until then, I’m grateful to be here, helping keep this light shining in Tumwater—and welcoming every person who comes through our doors into a family they may not have even known they were missing.
Learn more about ASHHO, read Feeding, Healing, Educating, and Celebrating Community: ASHHO’s Vision for Belonging, and watch a video to hear from the people behind ASHHO:
