Sen. Kauffman says ‘sì’ to lunch in Spanish

OLYMPIA – Speaking another language is an advantage in business and in life. Just ask Sen. Claudia Kauffman, D-Kent, who is working with her staff to establish a Spanish conversation group at the Legislature.

“It was a very positive experience,” said Kauffman after attending the group’s first meeting. “I was excited to practice my skills with other Spanish speakers.”

Giselle Langevin, session aide to Kauffman, created the conversation group because “there was no other group in the Legislature encouraging Spanish speakers to practice their language skills. Sen. Kauffman gave me the freedom to take the lead and organize a group.”

The Spanish conversation group had their first meeting over lunch at a restaurant near the Capitol, where attendees practiced their Spanish skills with staff from other legislative offices. The group is planning a dinner event in March, and a meeting with Lt. Gov. Brad Owen, who has been supportive of the group’s efforts.

Kauffman and Langevin hope the group will continue to meet every legislative session: “It’s important to have a safe and non-judgmental place to make friends and talk in another language. Our hope is for the group’s membership to grow and meet regularly,” Langevin said.

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