Lakewood Shared Hidden Heroes – Week # 4 – Makini Howell And Lyle Quasim

Press release from the City of Lakewood:

February 8, 2021

This week’s Hidden Heroes are Makini Howell and Lyle Quasim. Please share with others and discuss the important role African Americans play in shaping our community and country.

LOCAL HERO

Makini Howell Makini Howell is the owner and chef of several vegan restaurants in Seattle, including Plum Bistro, Pantry by Plum and Plum Chopped. She is the daughter of Niombi Howell, who founded Tacoma restaurant Quickie Too. Makini created Plum Bistro as an extension of the traditions she grew up on. Raised eating vegetarian and vegan meals, she offers Seattle a piece of her background with a twist on modern favorites. She adds to the small collective of Black business owners in Seattle and is an influential member of the community as she inspires those that look like her to believe they can own a successful business too. LOCAL HERO

Lyle Quasim Lyle Quasim was the first African American director of Washington state’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). He oversaw and made a significant impact on welfare reform, elderly care and the criminal justice system for juveniles.Prior to his service with DSHS, Quasim’s service to his community included facilitating grassroots efforts to positively impact neighborhoods within the greater Tacoma and Pierce County area. He is a Vietnam Veteran and longtime member and chair of the Tacoma Black Collective.

This press release was produced by the City of Lakewood. The views expressed here are the author’s own.