EVERETT—The Snohomish County Council passed a resolution (26-029) recognizing June as Immigrant Heritage Month at their Administrative Session Tuesday, May 26, where they invited several Snohomish County immigrants share their compelling stories of uprooting their lives and choosing America for a better life.
County Councilman Nate Nehring shared that he was honored to bring the resolution forward, before introducing Natali Gustavo, an immigrant who lives in Snohomish County with his wife and three kids for the last 26 years.
Gustavo’s story begins in Western Ukraine in 1942, when his grandfather was captured and incarcerated in a concentration camp for four years before being freed by American troops. When he returned home, he believed there would be a big celebration, but he was thrown in prison instead, for surviving the war, being a Christian, and being freed by Americans (being accused of being an American spy).
Fast forward to 1987, Gustavo was born in a small Russian village (at the time still part of the USSR – a communist regime). When the soviet wall fell his family had the opportunity to move to the United States in 2001, along with their six kids and just $100 in their pockets. They found home in Lynnwood initially before settling in Everett.
At the age of 16 Gustavo was encouraged by his father to start his own manufacturing and real estate business. He was married three years later.
His business was hit hard by the 2008 recession but subsequently survived. To this day he employees approximately 140 Snohomish County residents.
“It’s been a huge blessing for my family to be a part of this country, and this history. I’m a big supporter of the current bill that is currently being proposed. I’m also the current president of the Snohomish County builders so it’s been an honor to serve this country through there as well. Our job is to serve this country, who has blessed us tremendously. America is the greatest country in the world and let’s keep it that way,” said Gustavo.
Van Dinh-Kuno, Director of Refugee and Immigrant Services Northwest (RISNW), an organization that has helped thousands of immigrants and refugees in its 48 years of service, shared her own story of escaping a war-torn Vietnam and being lost for 11 days on a boat in the Pacific Ocean before being rescued by the U.S. Navy.
“We are grateful for this great nation for accepting us and to be a piece of the fabric of this great nation, and specifically a piece of the fabric of Snohomish County,” said Dinh-Kuno. “My story is just one of millions of refugees and immigrants that came to this country. I appreciate the county for recognizing the refugees and immigrants in this county. Thank you very much.”
Dinh-Kuno, and her 11 siblings, all obtained degrees from esteemed universities and have become outstanding members of their community.
Ricardo Kinet shared what the American Dream means to him and why it’s important to preserve it for future generations – especially given the country’s approaching 250th year anniversary.
Kinet was born and raised in Mexico. At the age of just 10-years-old he recalls his mother telling his father “I need to give my kids a better life and if they stay in Mexico, we’re not going to have that opportunity.”
Despite the enormous risk of uprooting their life, packing up all their belongings, and immigrating North, Kinet’s mother believed with every fiber in her being that the trip would be worth it. They arrived in San Diego shortly after, with no job prospects and without speaking English.
Within just a few months, Kinet’s parents were working hard at their two jobs, and him and his siblings sought an education.
“When someone asks what the American Dream means to me it’s simple; it’s the opportunity to work hard and rise, it’s the promise that where you start does not have to be where you end up. It’s starting as a 10-year-old kid who couldn’t speak English to valedictorian Ivy League graduate who know has a Masters in stats and is a proud American citizen,” said Kinet. “That journey, from struggle to success, from effort to determination. That to me is the American Dream.”
Kinet continued that it’s important to preserve the American Dream for future generations because his mother bet everything on that promise and it delivered. It’s his hope, he said, that his children can also grow up in a nation where hard work pays off.
Abdoulaye Touray, who grew up in France and Gambia, respectively, also shared his story about how he first came to America while working for Delta. From then he told himself his goal was the move to the U.S. He saved up money and applied for a student visa with the goal of becoming an entrepreneur.
Touray’s career first started at Macy’s for a short stint before selling cars. He eventually transitioned to Nordstrom’s finance department. In the next four years he opened up four businesses: two adult family homes, a home care agency, and a staffing agency.
“Having that mindset, coming to America, having a long-term goal can help you a lot because everything you do in that time will help you get to where you need to be. There is nothing even close to this country when it comes to accomplishing what you want in life, your dreams. At the end of the day I feel like it’s a mindset but right now for immigrants it’s not easy to have that mindset because of all that’s going on,” Touray. “Still, whatever you want to achieve, if you put your mind to it, you’re going to achieve it.”
Snohomish County Councilman Sam Low shared that hearing these immigrants’ stories, and what they had to overcome coming to America, easily made it one of his favorite County Council meetings.
“Hearing their stories today has really touched my heart. I support our immigrant communities; I support our refugee community. Thank you for being here, thank you for sharing your stories. This meeting has been one that’s very personal to me so thank you,” said Low.
Councilman Nehring moved to approve the resolution, seconded by Councilman Low. The resolution passed unanimously.
The resolution
The resolution, in its entirety, reads:
WHEREAS, our nation has been shaped by individuals and families who have risked much in search of opportunity and the promise of a better future in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Immigrant Heritage Month provides an opportunity to recognize the resilience and
contributions of immigrants who strengthen our communities throughout the county, state, and nation; and
WHEREAS, approximately 19 percent of Snohomish County’s population is foreign-born, reflecting
the region’s role as a destination for people from around the world seeking new opportunities; and
WHEREAS, immigrants in Snohomish County represent a diverse range of cultures and
backgrounds, including those from Asia, Latin America, Europe, and Africa; and
WHEREAS, the United States continues to offer opportunity to those seeking access to education,
the ability to start businesses, and the freedom to innovate; and
WHEREAS, the promise of the American Dream continues to inspire individuals and families
from around the world to pursue opportunity, stability, and upward mobility in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the poem The New Colossus by Emma Lazarus, inscribed at the Statue of Liberty, has
come to symbolize the nation’s enduring image as a place of refuge and opportunity for those seeking a
better life; and
WHEREAS, immigrants play a vital role in Snohomish County’s workforce and economy,
underscoring the importance of fostering a community grounded in dignity, respect, and opportunity for all;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Snohomish County Council hereby
recognizes June 2026 as Immigrant Heritage Month in Snohomish County and affirms its commitment to
supporting the rights, dignity, and self-determination of all residents, including those who have chosen to
make the United States their home.
APPROVED this 26th day of May, 2026.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
