Presented by the Latino PRG.
In honor of Women's History Month, join us for an empowering conversation focused on the resilience of professional women of color. This panel of leaders and partners will share their journeys overcoming barriers, navigating systemic challenges, and how to help amplify women voices. Drawing inspiration from the strength of those who came before, we’ll explore strategies for thriving in today's dynamic environment, fostering leadership, and advancing equity for all women.
Thank you to our sponsor OSU Alumni Association and venue sponsor Cambia Health Solutions.
Meet our panelists!
Tanya Macedo, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager
Cambia Health Solutions
As a transformative DEI strategist with 10 years of experience, Tanya drives organizational change through innovative diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that deliver measurable outcomes for people and organizations. At Cambia Health Solutions, she leads strategic DEI initiatives that drive cultural transformation and business impact. She’s a trusted DEI advisor and partners with executive leadership, HR teams, and Employee Resource Groups to develop and implement strategies that create sustainable frameworks and improve both employee engagement and business outcomes. Her strategic approach combines data-driven insights with deep cultural understanding to build accountability and drive meaningful change at all levels. Tanya's influence extends beyond corporate boundaries. She serves as a powerful voice for equity through her nonprofit work, where she champions the elimination of systemic barriers. Outside of work, Tanya supports grassroots organizations, activists, and community groups to advocate for underserved communities. As a mentor, she's also committed to helping women of color break into successful careers and achieve their goals.
Michelle Jalali, Sr. Director of DEI
Portland Trail Blazers
Michelle was born in Canada and spent many of her developmental years in the United States. She received her undergraduate degree in Public Relations from the University of South Florida and her Master’s of Science in College Student Affairs with a concentration in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Nova Southeastern University. Michelle launched a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Consulting small business to address the intersection of education, social justice, trauma, and intentional dialogue. She then expanded her skills to center her DEI work in trauma-informed non-clinical care by becoming a Certified Trauma Support Specialist, receiving the New York University Post-Masters Trauma-Informed Clinical Practice Certification, and by engaging in the study of intergenerational and identity-based trauma. She currently serves as the Sr. Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the NBA Portland Trail Blazers. Michelle sits on the board for the Boys and Girls Club of Yakama Nation, TASTE For Equity, and Well Behaved Co.
Marina Denny, Associate Vice Provost for Engagement, Extension & Engagement
Oregon State University
Dr. Marina Denny provides leadership for driving university-wide, community engaged scholarship and community engagement best practices. She works closely with the Associate Director for Extension to support the role of Extension and Engagement within the university, Oregon communities, regionally and internationally. This includes seeking opportunities for greater collaboration and integration across colleges and divisions, while engaging community partners and stakeholders in developing reciprocal and mutually beneficial solutions to real-world issues. Marina joined OSU in 2022 from her role as associate professor and Extension specialist in program and staff development in the School of Human Sciences at Mississippi State University. She previously served as a county faculty and county Extension director for the University of Florida and has served her universities and the profession on local, regional and national boards and committees. Marina has a B.S. in wildlife ecology and conservation and an M.A.Ed. in environmental education curriculum and instruction, both from the University of Florida. She earned an Ed.D.in organizational leadership in 2007 from Nova Southeastern University. In her more than 20 years working for land grant universities, Marina has led diverse teams, managed community volunteers, facilitated strategic planning endeavors and collaborated with peers and senior leadership to identify policy changes and training needs. Marina is always seeking opportunities for innovation, risk-taking and collaboration to identify strategies to drive transformative change.
Evan Green, Director of Equity & Opportunity
OHSU
Evan T. Green has lived in Portland, OR for nearly 7 years, he originally hails from Western New York (Rochester) but came to Portland from the nation’s capital (Washington, DC) in 2017. Evan has spent the last 15 years of his career supporting and leading Diversity Equity and Inclusion (Belonging/Justice) efforts within Higher Education, and Health Care and during that time has worked to implement institutional change through strategic planning and training. During his time at PSU SB and OHSU, Evan fostered institutional change through strategic initiatives, Diversity Equity Inclusion Belonging (DEIB) training and institutional equity programming. As well as foster a more inclusive culture, while also enacting systematic shifts. Mr. Green has an academic passion for examining the impacts of climate change and food insecurity, and the role argi business can play in youth employment in East Africa, and holds a master’s degree in urban planning from the State University of New York at Buffalo, School of Architecture and Planning and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Virginia State University. Evan is a father to his amazing daughter and is an avid soccer fan, creative and explorer. He spends his free time with his daughter as well as hiking, traveling, exploring, and supporting his favorite clubs (Chelsea FC, DC United and the New York Jets!)
