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Our friend, Justice Helen Whitener

September 1, 2020 By Don Doman

Almost three years ago Peg and I attended a fund-raising dinner for Catherine Place, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women. Here is their mission: “We are committed to addressing the particular needs of women who are materially poor, in transition, or facing the daily challenges associated with poverty, loss, violence, immigration and illness.” We like Catherine Place and their efforts. Their Keynote Speaker was Pierce County Superior Court Judge G. Helen Whitener.

Here’s how I described Judge Whitener in an article for northwestadventures.us – “Judge Whitener is active locally, nationally and internationally in various community service activities. With a strong commitment to justice and equality for all people, and a unique perspective as a woman, an immigrant, and a person of color, she speaks often on human rights, access to justice, and basic dignity and respect in judicial proceedings.” I was so impressed I had to introduce myself to her at the end of the evening. Later when Governor Jay Inslee selected Judge Whitener to fill a position on the Washington State Supreme Court I gave a cheer and my estimate of the governor went up accordingly. I had long spoken up for him and his efforts to protect us from COVID:19.

The Catherine Place Keynote Speaker was Pierce County Superior Court Judge G. Helen Whitener.

We recently met with Lynn Rainey, Justice Whitener’s wife. We relaxed, talked and laughed for about two hours. About a week later we met with Lynn and Helen. We had a chance to record some very informal comments from Helen about her life and journey to Washington Supreme Court Justice, as well as her dedication to helping and encouraging students.

Helen Whitener grew up on the Caribbean island of Trinidad and Tobago. She needed medical treatment that was not available in her home country. As a consequence, at 16 years old she came to the US for treatment while staying with family in New York. When the treatment was finished, she applied for college, then law school and became a naturalized citizen.

Before coming to Washington State she worked in International Marketing and Trade in Anchorage, Alaska. We really get a laugh out of her story about her introduction to the Pacific Northwest . . . and we really love Helen’s laughter.

Introduction to Alaska

Justice Whitener has always been a teacher and mentor to students. Online, I met Gregory Youtz, Professor of Music at Pacific Lutheran University and the director of the Trinidad Study Abroad Program. I asked him if he knew Helen. Here was Greg’s resonse. “I do indeed know Helen Whitener! She hosted my group of about 23 Trinidadians for dinner a few years ago when I brought them to PLU. Great lady and very powerful mentor for students! I am a big fan of Judge Whitener as I have seen what an impact upon the lives of students she has had. One of our PLU alums just went off to Howard University Law School this fall, inspired by Judge Whitener!”

Working with high school students

I’ve known judges, I’ve been before judges as an expert witness and a juror, but mostly what I know about judges I learned from watching Louis Stone as Judge Hardy in the classic Andy Hardy films from the 30s and 40s. It always came down to integrity and doing the right thing. I still believe that’s always the best way to go. I don’t know much about state supreme courts, but then most people are probably in the same boat. Here is what Helen has to say about her work as a Washington State Supreme Court Justice.

Introduction to the workings of our supreme court

We had a marvelous time with Lynn and Helen. Justice Whitener is a friendly, and thoughtful person who communicates easily. We loved the way she explained things about the law . . . and we look forward to next time having some Trinidadian home cooking.

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Related

About Don Doman

Don Doman: Professional writer and author. Ideas and Training - Human Resources/business training products for modern business. PublicDoman - Video production, internet video, website construction and online marketing and social media. NW Adventures - Fun places to visit in the Pacific Northwest: Great Restaurants, Lodging, and People. The Doman Directories - Business directory listings for many categories in Tacoma, Pierce County, and Washington State.

Comments

  1. Nan Peele says

    September 2, 2020 at 7:03 am

    Another inspiring story, making two back-to-back gifts.
    Thanks, Don, for supporting and shining a light on people and organizations that do good for others…and starting my day with HOPE!

    • Don Doman says

      September 2, 2020 at 7:59 am

      Nan,
      Thank you for the kind words. It’s our world and our community. We need to share and recognize those that are helping us all to a better life.
      Don

  2. Pat Hobbs says

    September 2, 2020 at 8:14 am

    Thank you, Don for a wonderful article. There are so many people out there who spend their lives helping others. Diane Formoso comes to mind. I worked with her at Clover Park. She has spent her life quietly helping others as I am sure the people of Lakewood know. We all must know people like this. Let’s start sharing our stories and recognizing these kinds of people … those who build instead of those who tear down. We all really need this right now.

    • Don Doman says

      September 2, 2020 at 8:25 am

      Pat,
      Thank you for writing.
      When I was in Exchange Club we recognized Diane Formoso for her dedication to children. I like sharing the good news and poking others who need to change a bit.
      Thanks for sharing.
      Don
      p.s. Keep me posted on others to recognize as well.
      D

  3. Joseph Boyle says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:32 am

    Don Doman,

    My wife and I watched every video you included in this article. Justice Whitener shares several marvolous messages.

    Thank you for providing the opportunity for us to spend some internet time with Justice Whitener.

    Joseph Boyle

  4. Don Doman says

    September 2, 2020 at 10:35 am

    Joseph,
    I’m glad you both enjoyed the comments from Justice Whitener. I found her down to earth chat funny, charming, and worthwhile. I’m glad you liked the videos as well.
    Thanks for sharing.
    Don

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