Personal Background
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what brought you to Portland?
I grew up here, and am a third generation Black-Indigenious Oregonian. I have been back for the last nearly 20 years, just after my daughter Laila was born. My grandfather was one of the first Black attorneys here in Portland, and he raised his family here. Portland is home to my immediate family, and working on behalf of Portlanders, and Oregonians, especially those historically oppressed is my life’s work.
How did you first become involved in your current field or community?
I consider myself a servant leader, and no matter which role I occupy, my goal of increasing resources to those who need it most is the constant thread that envelopes all of my work across my career thus far.
Having begun my career in the corporate industry and moved into non-profit service, then public service, and back around again, I find myself currently working on behalf of Portlanders as a leader in Portland’s economic development agency, Prosper Portland. Throughout my professional career, I feel I have grown exponentially as a leader via my work on numerous non profit boards. Currently I serve as a board member for Literary Arts, Self Enhancement Inc. (SEI), Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA), and the Trail Blazers Foundation Board.
Throughout each role I have served in whether professionally or volunteer, I have maintained a connection to my own lived experience having grown up in and out of different stages of homelessness and with myriad socio-economic insecurities. I benefited from an incredibly strong, college educated, mother who despite having followed all of society’s instructions for young Christian mothers in the eighties, still found herself in deep poverty once she became a single mother. Even though she worked multiple jobs she wasn’t able to maintain consistent housing for my siblings and I, yet she always knew how to find resources. I recognized at an early age that we were privileged in that she could access support, I have been determined to ensure others who need help have it, that fuels me in all of the work I do, and the decisions I make as a leader.
Future Goals and Aspirations
What are your future goals, both personally and professionally?
I recently turned 40 and I seem to have come into a more clear realization that my tomorrows are likely fewer than my yesterdays, so I am attempting to listen closer to my intuition and use my expertise and skill set to make the most of what is in front of me.
Personally, I look forward to continuing to develop a stronger relationship with my 20 year old daughter, Laila. Getting to visit her in New York while she studies forensic science at Hofstra University has been pretty damn special. We have gotten closer than I could have imagined when she left for school. My partner Molly and I have been together for almost six years and being loved by her has opened my eyes to more than I could have imagined, growing our connection and love continues to be a life goal.
Professionally, I am eager to develop relationships that leverage my expertise in economic and community development towards a more just economy that ensures we are more prepared to develop a society that mirrors our preferred future. I hope to be a leader that young queer folks of color can see themselves reflected in, and I hope to listen to those same folks to use my position and privilege to move us further than my skill set alone would allow.
How do you see the community evolving, and what role do you hope to play in that evolution?
I am inspired by those in our community who continue to make more space for people-power. There are many issues that plague society and we will need all of our perspectives, knowledge and compound wisdom to be certain more of us can prosper moving forward. Whether young advocates, or honored elders, when we work together, on behalf of each other, we go further than we could have gone alone.
If I have any role in that, much of it is in continuing to support my daughter and those who come after her to lean into the energy they bring to movements that center those most vulnerable in society. I hope to learn from those who came before me so as to leverage their wisdom and reduce mistakes that could hold back our collective access to the resources we need. I hope to be a continuous learner, and to stay curious about the world around me. In learning to love myself more authentically, I believe I get closer to understanding what true integrity looks like in decisions I make as a leader; and as someone who can hold others and myself accountable as I move in circles that possess power.
Fun and Personal Interests
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I share uproarious laughter and have fun with the people I love most! I have such a robust and glorious group of friends, whether I am hanging with my book club who have been meeting for 17 years, or my best friends, I learn SO much from these brilliant people. I have a rich core group of friends who help reflect for me who I am now and who I want to be. I love catching live music with my concert baes, or serving on boards with some of the most brilliant and devoted people in Portland. We love spending quality time in nature-filled back yards laughing to our hearts desire, or playing cards, and board games late into the night. These wonderful humans I get to share my life with make me feel grateful to be on this earth at the same time as them.
Also, I just got a new puppy named Prince, so he is consuming more of my free time with the cutest of snuggles, and finding his favorite new stick on our walks.
I was recently gifted an awesome record player, and am excited to go digging in bins around Portland to build my collection of records.
Can you share a fun fact or something people might not know about you?
I am obsessed with the vast world of mushrooms! I follow many mushroom experts on social media, and love spotting so many species just in my back yard. I have many photo albums in my phone of the fantastic fungi I find when out on walks. I’ve grown my own Lion's Mane, and am inspired by the underground connection of mushrooms, and trees via the mycelium beneath us all.
When I learned how trees and mushrooms communicate with each other on a biological level to support their larger community when any of them are dealing with threats to life and how they can divert resources to send to each other when needed, I know we can learn from this model when we support our natural world more intentionally. I had the privilege of getting deep into conversation with Richard Powers over dinner on the amazing world we are surrounded by in nature, and moments like that continue to be a highlight of what I love about evenings here in Portland.
As a third-generation Black Indigenous Oregonian with roots in the Shoshone Bannock tribes, how has your heritage influenced your approach to community building and advocacy?
Primarily, I am inspired by the resilience and vibrant wisdom of the people I am directly descended from. My ancestors are people who lived through some of the most horrific examples of oppression, and yet, their sheer existence and ability to imagine themselves into a more just reality, has meant that my life, and the world I have inherited is better simply because they survived.
I attempt to live with a spirit of curiosity and servant leadership at the core of who I am. A quote often attributed to Maya Angelou says “When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” Inherent in that statement is acknowledgement and gratitude for having received, and accountability to those we encounter next to give of what we have been given, and teach that which we have come to know.
I think of my paternal grandmother Bessie, who raised 9 children and even though my grandfather was a Black sharecropper in a small town in Alabama she always shared what the family had with neighbors to ensure the community had what they needed. My dad taught me, even when times were rough, they always had more than enough. I think of my great grandmother Ramona who left the reservation in Pocatello, Idaho to pursue a life where she could exist on her own terms, she eventually became a nurse and the care she had for those around her, and her family is what I remember of her to this day.
Both of these women served their communities and their families, and the quote, “service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth,” feels alive and well as I consider the legacy they left behind for me. These lessons fuel me when work in community, or advocacy feels untenable.
What inspired you to pursue a career focused on equity, economic development, and community empowerment?
When I grew up my family needed support when we were dealing with the limiting aspects of poverty, and through my career and leadership roles I hope to change the systems that enabled such need. Thinking about the world that millennials, gen-Z and gen-alpha are inheriting can be overwhelming, especially now, however the amount of access many of us have to positions of power mean we should be able to create change sooner as well. While patience remains a virtue we can learn from, the urgency young leaders embody reminds me to not get complacent, and to leverage my lived experience where relevant in my career.
I would say my work is less about empowerment, and more about shifting power dynamics towards those for whom decisions that we make as a society impact most dynamically. In the immediate, inclusive economic development means more people can take part in our society without pushing against systems that keep status quo resistant to the change our communities deserve.
I am inspired by indigenous ways of knowing, and the creativity self-determination exhibits when more humans gain access to positions where their decisions create the resources we all need to prosper. I am buoyed by the energy a collective group of people gathered around an issue they are most closely impacted by, becomes better for them, and those coming after them.
Howard University is known for cultivating leaders. How did your time at Howard shape your vision and leadership style?
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) like Howard University are places where you are taught to lean into the power of your self identity. Rather than rely on the typical curriculum which tends to gloss over oppressive systems, institutions like Howard ask you to learn the full truth, and activate your learning in your community. I was struck by and continue to be inspired by what I learned while I attended Howard University.
I learned that my place in rooms of power, and my posture when dealing with great systems of oppression is to be a part of the solution. We were reminded of those who came before us, and that change makers and alumni, like Toni Morrison, Kamala Harris, Chadwick Boseman, Pauli Murray, and Ta-Nehisi Coates made change because they recognized the importance of being ready when the opportunity avails itself, and to seek understanding no matter what is in front of you. The students, professors, and leaders we see drawn to HBCUs today are a testament to this, and will only make the impact of leaders who come from institutions like this greater.
Professional Journey and Accomplishments
Your career spans impactful roles in both corporate and community-centered spaces, including facilitating over $22 million in philanthropic investments. What accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?
I consider myself lucky to have been able to work alongside so many devoted professionals who have shared their lived experiences that influence the way I lead, and make decisions for today. Any good results I have accomplished are the result of developing authentic relationships with the folks I consider community, and learning from them to enhance the results of the goals we set for ourselves.
I am most proud of the relationships I have that extend far beyond one role, or organization I have been a part of. I feel lucky to have invested in some of the most worthy causes across our state, and to feel a sense of reciprocity with those organizations as we all benefit from their work across Oregon.
What was one of the most transformative projects or programs you led during your time at Wells Fargo, and how did it shape your outlook on economic development?
While at Wells Fargo I was able to lead our Neighborhood LIFT program which invested over $7.1 Million dollars across Multnomah County to help create nearly 280 new homeowners. Having grown up as housing insecure as I was, this effort felt like a full circle moment to take part in.
This work helped solidify for me the understanding an intentional plan can have on achieving your strategic goals. I was able to make major decisions to ensure more of the community who had historically been left out of home buying opportunities could become homeowners through this program by studying the reasons people had been left behind in the past, and directly working to remove the barriers that exist today.
Being recognized as "one of Portland’s super-connectors" is an impressive accolade. How do you leverage your connections to drive meaningful change?
I was taught, and have personally experienced that the resources we need to solve an issue are often found within our community. We are enough, and when we connect to others, we can share resources, perspective and expertise to achieve our goals.
Finding clarity in a deeper awareness of those around me through relationship building is a constant goal of mine. A great friend of mine recently referred to some of her friends as “destiny helpers” and I see developing new connections as that exactly. Whether for myself or those in my community, I love making connections and developing my expertise with an awareness of Portlanders, and what drives them to make the change they lead in the community.
Current Role at Prosper Portland
What excites you most about your role as Equity, Policy, and Communications Director at Prosper Portland?
My role at Prosper Portland allows me the opportunity to work alongside some of Portland’s smartest, and most devoted public servants. As we consider economic development and the policies that can guide us towards inclusive economic growth we share stories, data, trends, and help inform our elected officials and private partners on how we can ensure more Portlanders can thrive.
When I think about some of the work colleagues of mine at Prosper Portland have been leading, like Portland Means Progress, the Inclusive Business Resource Network, and massive community wins like the recent completion of the demolition phase at Broadway Corridor, which boasts amazing results of deep community engagement and leadership, I am encouraged at what we can do when we continue to center community, and the long-term impact responsible development can have for our city.
What are some of the measurable outcomes or initiatives you’ve developed or hope to develop to foster equity in Portland's economic development landscape?
I am proud of the work my team led as we launched the Reimagine Oregon program at Prosper Portland this past year. While it is a brand new program that continues to be developed every day, in 2024 we were able to invest over $7 million dollars into small businesses and non profit organizations across our city.
Reimagine Oregon began as a community initiative created by many Black-led organizations and individuals working to dismantle systematic racism in Oregon. Community leadership created a movement that resulted in the launch of the Reimagine Oregon Economic Opportunity Investment Fund at Prosper Portland. This grant program aligns with the city’s Advance Portland strategic vision to foster wealth creation within underserved communities by creating access to economic opportunity for business development and growth.
The goal of both the initiative and the investment fund is to provide economic opportunities to communities disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition. The effects of cannabis prohibition involved communities that faced disproportionately higher levels of criminalization related to cannabis, resulting in multi-generational economic and social impacts.
Being able to hear the stories of the impact to local businesses who have already been invested in makes me proud of the team’s work thus far, and our growing ability to continue centering the community’s needs while making lasting impact moving forward.
Community and Equity Leadership
Equity is central to your leadership philosophy. What advice would you give to organizations aiming to embed equity into their policies and practices?
Commit to continuous learning. Lately, some people and organizations are afraid to lean into equity because it has come under such distinct scrutiny, but remember it wouldn’t be so threatening if people took the time to actually learn what is at the core of the work. Folks who fear what equity work is might be worried about a future where they won’t have access to the same power they have always enjoyed. Yet equity practitioners know the truth: true equity work ensures more people can feel dignity, safety, and belonging in our society.
As you study what your organization needs, and you look further into opportunities to embed equity into your institutions you create deeper value for those who are a part of your community. That value becomes social capital to attract those who can embark on the journey your mission demands for the future. There are incredible organizations and leaders across Portland who can help you do this work well, seek their guidance, and invest in the future of your organization.
What challenges do you foresee in building a thriving and just Portland, and how do you plan to address them?
My work with the Literary Arts organization is of utmost importance when I consider how we build a more thriving and just Portland. At the core of its mission we are ensuring more people’s stories are available for Oregonians to learn from. In Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk, “The Danger of a Single Story” she discusses how we risk the oversimplification of a single perspective and miss out on the rich complexity of human experience when we limit ourselves to a single perspective.
With Literary Arts’ mission to engage readers, support writers, and inspire the next generation with great literature we are investing in a more vibrant Portland rich with stories, and perspectives that extend far beyond a single story. When I consider the thousands of Portlanders, from youth to our elders who attend our events on an annual basis, I know we are leading folks to consider others and their perspectives as we listen to each other.
I heard someone recently say when reading, you are forced to listen, you are choosing to consider someone else’s perspective and you are compelled to be enriched by it. Portland is a city filled with folks who make ideas into reality, and when our ideas are complimented by more dynamic perspectives of those around us, the decisions we make on a daily, small or large, include more of us and lead to a more thriving and just city.
What role does storytelling and communication play in advancing equity and fostering community trust?
Adept storytelling and communication that are not based in fear has always been the reason we truly advance as a society. We build community trust when folks see themselves in the decisions leaders make, and their contributions or stories are acknowledged and celebrated.
This occurs when responsible leaders in the media and those who decide what messages and narrative lead in society share transparent perspectives that are based in truth. Unfortunately it has become harder to decipher what is true, and what is false amidst harmful algorithms that limit perspective, or curate confirmation bias.
Creating space to communicate effectively in today’s world often means sharing a narrative that is clear, concise, and compelling. In this way, the work of communications can feel daunting, however when you locate the point of integrity, the goal in any communication practice is to daily make decisions that move you closer towards that integrity of story you first identified. As folks learn more, and remain curious about each other, our picture of what integrity looks like becomes clearer and we can celebrate progress together.
Looking Ahead
What are your hopes and aspirations for Portland’s future?
Portland is a place I feel lucky to call home, and I hope more folks who choose to call this place home realize that we can make this city into a place we choose to stay in and invest in for our collective benefit. We are blessed by some of the most majestic views nature has to offer, some of the most creative makers and artists, some of the most innovative advocates, and a vibrant community of folks with so many opportunities to roll up our sleeves and take part in creating a home that we and the generations following us can be proud of.
If you could leave a lasting legacy, what would you hope it to be?
I hope to leave a legacy as a great mother to Laila, as a passionate partner, as a compassionate friend, and as someone who got shit done for my community. I hope to be remembered for how I made people feel while doing my work, and the gratitude I shared with them when impacted by people’s grace. While I am far from perfect, and have made a heap of mistakes, I hope I apologized when necessary, and changed my impact on those around me to be that which lifted people rather than held folks back. I hope to be remembered with a deep smile, and something akin to that feeling you get when you listen to a song that touches your soul deeply.
Personal Reflections
What motivates you to keep pushing for equity and justice, even when faced with systemic challenges?
When I think of some of the queer leaders who I am inspired by, I think of folks like the late Pauli Murray, and Audre Lorde, and living local legends like Kathleen Saadat, and allies like the late Gladys McCoy.
The struggle and injustice they went through while very different than my own, helped pave the way for me to do the work I do, as the leader that I am today. Their brilliance, emotional intelligence, innovative spirit and courage give me options to choose from, and that choice is something more people should have access to.
I owe it to future generations to ensure their struggle doesn’t mirror my own but surpasses that which I have been able to achieve. I know that while I wont be able to change every injustice, with my access to tables of power and capacity while here, I can at least hold the door open for future leaders to push even further than I could. Sharing the information I have been able to garner, and removing barriers will hasten progress, and hopefully impact beneficial change for those who need us most right now.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life and community involvement?
I think this is a work in progress, and something I want and need to get better at. If you were to ask my friends what my hobby is most of them would probably say serving on boards, and working in community. While that is mostly true, I hope to step into my 40’s remembering the importance of self-care, and balance. Joining boards like LCC help me lean into some of the social groups I hope to learn from, and grow with.
What advice do you have for young Black and Indigenous women aspiring to leadership roles in equity and economic development?
Know that your perspective and ideas matter. Getting into positions of leadership and sitting at tables with power brokers doesn’t require you to ask for permission to make change, you are there to make change. The world needs your attention, and experience to create a better place for us all.
I think of leaders like Rukaiyah Adams and the work she is leading with The 1803 Fund. Her ideas of how to create impact in our city and state have inspired so many to look within themselves and find the answers to what will make our existence together, better. I would tell a young Black-Indigenous woman to lean into the lessons your elders taught you and to use your skills to help move us forward, you are needed, and appreciated.
Lastly, I would say never second guess the impact one person can make in whichever role you find yourself in. When you get there, remember to gather your community and be inspired by what they have taught you, those lessons will guide you when leadership and decisions become hard.
What books are you reading right now?
Books I am currently all encompassed by are the Real Wealth of Nations by Riane Eisler, and James by Percival Everett.
What music are you listening to right now?
Some of my favorite music artists I am constantly streaming are Doechii, Stromae, Yebba, Masego, Beyonce, Michael Kiwanuka, Janelle Monae, Emily King, Megan Thee Stallion, Mereba, Cleo Soul, Jidenna, Rachel Chinouriri, Amine, and GloRilla.