Why did you want to join the CIC?
I do a lot of work in the community and I was always seeing changes in our community without having a say. When I started showing up to meetings to voice my concerns, I was always told I was showing up to the table at the last minute and was asked where I was years ago when these conversations started. So this is me coming to the table and being there when the conversations start, and what better table to show up to than the Community Involvement Committee.
Outside of the CIC, where else do you volunteer?
Last summer, I helped run summer sports camps for the kids in the homeless shelter at no cost, giving them the chance to step into a different setting other than the shelter. I also help run a food pantry for low income families in our community. I'm currently testifying out at Gresham City Council to push for renters protections and anti-displacement measures to protect our residents who are being evicted and pushed out of our communities. All the volunteer work I do is mostly in East Portland and Gresham area, where I have lived for more than 20 years.
What are you most excited about for the coming year?
I'm really excited about all the new things I will learn from the CIC and being able to be part of a group that serves to benefit our communities and help facilitate communication between communities and the County - working together to better serve the needs of our residents. I know we have a lot of work to do, but we have great people who are all here for the same reason so I know we'll have a successful year.
What do you like most about the Pacific Northwest?
I've grown up in the Pacific Northwest all my life - it's the only thing I know and it's honestly just amazing. Being able to go out into the gorge and go on hikes and explore nature or head west out to the beach and explore that. So many things to do - and to be able to enjoy all the different seasons year round. Snow, rain, sun - you name it, we got it, sometimes all three in one day!