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In this issue:
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Final Day to Buy Tickets is May 9! 2025 NW Equity Summit – Only Happens Every Two Years Thrive through Belonging: Reframed and Refocused Time is running out to join one of the most impactful learning events in our region. The NW Equity Summit returns on May 20th, and this is your only chance to be part of it until 2027. In a time of increasing legal, political, and cultural complexity, this summit will give you the actionable strategies, tools, and confidence to lead your organization toward real belonging. We are excited to welcome two powerhouse keynote speakers: Heather McGhee, author of The Sum of Us, whose work on the cost of racism to everyone is reshaping our national conversation, and Baratunde Thurston, Emmy-nominated host, writer, comedian, and cultural critic known for blending humor with deep insight on race, democracy, and community. Why you can’t miss this event:
Tickets are limited and will not be sold after May 9. No exceptions. No extensions. If you are committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable workplace-this is your moment. |
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Meet Mikaela Nordlander, Program and Events Intern
Mikaela joined Partners in Diversity in April 2025 as a programs and events Intern to assist with the NW Equity Summit. Mikaela holds a joint honors degree in anthropology and sociology from the University of Aberdeen. Currently, she is writing her thesis on Danish citizenship and integration as part of her master’s degree in development studies at Lund University. Having lived across Europe, Asia, and the United States, Mikaela’s international background has shaped her passion for multiculturalism and people centered work.
Outside of her professional life, she enjoys travelling, exploring different cultures, going to the cinema and concerts, and has a strong interest in fashion and self expression through clothes. |
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Women of Color Rising - April 8
Our inaugural event was a night of connecting and networking with strong women leaders.
Thank you to our venue host Markowitz Herbold PC and our sponsors Noel Pacarro Brown, CIMA®, CPWA® of The Conscious Wealth Management Group at Morgan Stanley, and Nicole Rice of Aldrich Wealth and our wine sponsor Tystrya Estate! Thank you to our food provider Nevaeh Cee's Catering and Chef Rico. |
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Say Hey! in Eugene - April 16
Our team traveled to Eugene to host the very first Say Hey! in Lane County. The event brought together newcomers, community members, and partners for an evening of connection, celebration, and community-building.
We are excited to expand Say Hey! beyond the Portland metro area and look forward to building deeper connections across the state. A huge thank-you to everyone who attended, and volunteered, and to our generous sponsors University of Oregon, Lane County Government, and Northwest Community Credit Union! |
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Breakfast for Champions - April 29 |
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Thank you to everyone who joined us bright and early for Breakfast for Champions: Building Resilience and Empowering Change in Difficult Times.
We heard amazing insights from our panel about what it truly means to be resilient, how showing up for one another makes an impact, and how to center on joy and people to continue to grow. Thank you to our amazing sponsor TriMet! Thank you to Caiman Cafe for the delicious empanadas. |
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Washington Trust Bank - A Gift of Belonging
Thank you to our generous sponsor and partner, Washington Trust Bank, for their donation. Washington Trust donated $6,000 to bring the NW Equity Summit to more people. We appreciate you! |
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May 3 | API PRG - Oregon Rises Above Hate | Portland, OR May 20 | NW Equity Summit | Portland, OR Jul 30 | Member Mixer (Registration coming soon) | Vancouver, WA Aug 6 | Say Hey! (Registration coming soon) | Vancouver, WA
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What API Heritage Means to Me - Dr. Katy Ho
Growing up as a first-generation Chinese American in Hawai’i, I learned early that my roots run deep in family, culture, and aloha. My multigenerational household was always filled with stories from my parents and grandparents—stories of resilience, bravery, humility, and food, our family’s love language. These stories revealed that identity is a living bridge between past and future and became a way to pass on knowledge and values. My cultural background shaped how I see myself and understand my purpose in the world. It’s a major reason I have devoted my career to higher education—I believe in the benefit of all forms of knowledge and their positive impact on our communities.
Now, as a mother of two bicultural children, I see every day how my cultural values shape my life. I do my best to pass along the stories and lessons I’ve learned, reminding them that our family history is built on the immigrant experiences, sacrifices, and wisdom of those who came before us. In my work, I strive to honor the diverse experiences of our students and the many different ways knowledge is shared. I believe cultural traditions enhance education by teaching patience, perspective, and compassion—allowing us to connect what we learn with the stories of our own families and communities.
To me, API heritage means resilience and continuity. It’s knowing that I stand as one of many in a long, unbroken line of storytellers and dreamers. Through our shared and unique heritage, I find the strength and inspiration to be of service to others.
Dr. Katy Ho is a member of our Leadership Council and the Executive Vice President of Portland Community College. |
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Saturdays | Portland Saturday Market | Downtown Portland May 2 | Barbershop for All | Hillsboro, OR
May 8 | 2025 Rose City 5k Run | World Trade Center Downtown
May 16-18 | 39th Annual Upper Clackamas Whitewater Festival | Estacada, OR May 23 | Portland Rose Festival Opening Night Fireworks | Tom McCall Waterfront Park May 23 | Bloom Tour | Downtown Portland |
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Partners in Diversity provides an online space for nonprofits, public agencies and community-based organizations to share events and engagement opportunities that are relevant to communities of color. To view other community events or to post one, visit our Community Engagement page. |
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Academic Advisor Bilingual (Spanish) – Oregon State University Executive Director – Janus Youth Programs Senior Social Media Marketing Manager – First Tech Federal Credit Union IT Project Manager – Relay Resources Operations Business Analyst – NW Natural Drinking Water Program Coordinator – City of Salem Office of Recovery and Resilience Director – Oregon Health Authority Case Worker – Morrison Kids and Family Services
As a member benefit, our partners receive free job postings. If you have any questions about the job board or need help getting set up, please contact ndouglass@partnersindiversity.org. |
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A special thank you to our partners for their continued commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion: |
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Follow Partners in Diversity on social media to stay connected and get the latest news. |