Emerge Oregon Class of 2010

Andrea Paluso

Co-founder, Family Forward Oregon

A social worker turned community activist, Andrea Paluso is an advocate for systemic changes that will create a more equitable and sustainable future for all Oregon's families. As the co-founder of Family Forward Oregon, a nonprofit organization working to build a family-friendly economy, Andrea has engaged families to speak out on issues as varied as paid family leave, child care quality and affordability, health care reform, outdated employment policies, and economic inequities for mothers.

Christina Alexander

Chair and Professor at Southwestern Oregon College

A "re-homesteader," Christina Alexander has lived in Oregon most of her life, settling in Coos County in 1974 to family land, where she lives today. An active community and Democratic campaign volunteer and supporter, Christina serves on the Oregon Coast Community Action board and provides training for the Women's Safety and Resource Center. She previously served with both the Pacific Child Center and the Coos Head Cooperative Food Store. Christina notes that Paul Wellstone's statement, "Politics is what we dare to imagine," is her call in seeking public office.

Consuelo Saragoza

The first college graduate in her family, Consuelo Saragoza knows firsthand the advantages that only education can provide. In her early professional career as a teacher and advocate for families and children, Consuelo cemented her ongoing commitment to see that other young people are afforded the same educational opportunities she experienced. Currently a public health professional, Consuelo recognizes that the connection between health and education is inseparable. Dedicated to equity, inclusion, and social justice in both personal and professional life, Emerge will allow her to continue her pursuit of life long learning and finding opportunities to make a difference for children and families in our community.

Darcy Long-Curtiss

Chair of the Wasco County Democrats

Raised in rural Oregon but with experience living in the Willamette Valley, Japan and the Washington, DC area, Darcy Long-Curtiss brings a unique and valuable mix of rural, urban, national, and international understanding to Oregon politics. Her committed belief that everything in life is affected by politics drives her public service.

Donna Maddux

Tualatin City Councilor

Donna Maddux considers public service a personal calling. Currently serving on the Washington County Commission on Children and families, Donna cut her teeth as a member of the first class of AmeriCorps in 1994, working in public schools, on environmental projects, and delivering vital services to those in need. In 2006 Donna made her first contested run for elected office, winning a seat on the then all-male Tualatin City Council.

Jennifer Geller

Eugene 4-J School Board Member

Jennifer Geller's motivation to serve in elected office is found in her belief that the health of Oregon's future depends on our ability to provide excellent educational opportunities for all students. Elected to the Eugene School Board in 2009, Jennifer - an active community volunteer and mother of two daughters - brings a rich background to the table. Originally an education attorney in the Washington State Attorney General's Office, Jennifer returned to her home state of Oregon where she has spent countless hours as a citizen advocate with Stand for Children.

Jodie Barram

Bend City Councilor

An over achiever and perfectionist, Jodie Barram wants to do it all. Married with two children, she balances family life, part time work, and civic leadership. Jodie is engaged in her children’s school and activities. Working as an educational assistant provides her the flexibility to be involved in her community.

Julie Fahey

Born and raised in a small farming town in Illinois, Julie Fahey attended the University of Notre Dame, studying Chemistry and Anthropology and graduating summa cum laude. She and her husband were drawn to Oregon by their love of the outdoors and the great sense of community they found in Eugene.

Kathleen Feehan

Kathleen Feehan is dedicated to restoring and protecting the rivers and lands that distinguish our beautiful state and support all Oregonians including tribal people and culture. Kathleen knows that a balanced and thriving future for our state depends on healthy Oregon waters, land and communities. Working as a Senior Policy Analyst for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, Kathleen has focused on implementation of the Clean Water Act to guide watershed restoration and improve standards for protecting human health.

Kristi Jo Lewis

Kristi Jo (KJ) Lewis moved to Portland in 2001 from Namibia, where she served in the U.S. Peace Corps. Deeply committed to social justice, political activism and volunteering since youth, KJ holds an MPA and an MS in Education Policy from PSU. KJ makes a life and living through Global Sistergoods, a marketplace for fair trade products made by women in emerging economies that she launched in 2006. Recognized for her community service by Soroptimist International, KJ recently made the Portland Business Journal's annual "40 under 40" list.

Nova Newcomer

Head of Community Outreach, Center for Women, Politics & Policy

As the Head of Community Outreach for the Center for Women, Politics & Policy, Nova Newcomer loves working every day to help women develop their leadership potential. In 2 short years she has expanded its community of support through targeted fundraising, marketing and development of new partnerships. Nova is also the Community Manager at PECI, a non-profit focused on delivering energy efficient solutions as part of the new energy economy.

Roberta Phillip

Whether serving as an AmeriCorps volunteer, public school educator, board member, mentor or community advocate, Roberta Phillip's commitment to public service has been clear and at the forefront. Recognized as a distinguished graduate by the faculty at Lewis & Clark Law School, Roberta has received several awards and scholarships for contributions to her community while a student.

Ryan Manion

Raised in Montana, Ryan Manion now makes her home in Portland. Ryan has been politically active and committed to progressive politics and social justice since she was very young because of her family's dedication to social justice and peace. A political organizer and campaign manager for 15 years, Ryan most recently worked as a campaign manager for M+R Strategic Services, and the Endangered Species Coalition, campaigning to protect the Endangered Species Act and advocating for the Northwest's wildlife and wild places.

Sally Erickson

Executive Director of the Council for the Homeless

Sally Erickson currently oversees the City of Portland's Ending Homelessness Initiative, building innovative partnerships among public and private entities to develop cost-effective solutions. Sally is a passionate advocate for affordable housing and services for those with disabilities, particularly those with mental illnesses.

Samaura Stone

Samaura Stone grew up listening to her mother tell haunting stories about the Civil Rights Movement. Sparking her curiosity about justice and equality early on, Samaura realized that it would take many more strong, impassioned leaders to continue the fight for these critical rights.

Shalonda Menefee

A mother of four, Shalonda Menefee was born and raised in Northeast Portland; she both understands and actively participates to empower and support her community. Shalonda's passion extends far beyond her various mentoring and volunteer commitments throughout the city; it's her way of life. Currently a member of both the Multnomah County Citizen Involvement Committee and Multnomah County Human Services Citizen Budget Advisory Board, Shalonda's involvement includes work with several organizations that span across education, youth, community and economic development work. She is the developer and founder of SISTAS Enterprise and BACK2BASICS.

Sharon Meieran

Emergency Medicine Physician

An Emergency Medicine physician in Portland, Sharon Meieran works with individuals from all walks of life. On a daily basis, Sharon sees the safety net for our most vulnerable population stretched to the breaking point, and knows we must have a better, truly inclusive and accessible health-care system for all Oregonians. Her two young children confirm her belief in the need for a strong public educational system in order for all children to succeed and lead productive and fulfilling lives.

Sheri Moore

Springfield Planning Commissioner

Growing up in the Tigard area, Sheri Moore recalls warm summer days picking strawberries or working in her Mom's small cafe. Other job and life experiences carried her through both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from the University of Oregon, before settling into a 25-year career as an elementary school teacher. Newly "retired", Sheri serves as both Springfield Planning Commissioner and Lane County Master Gardener, hosts international college students, and teaches half-time. Weekends find her actively involved with her church and other volunteer endeavors.

Shirley Craddick

Gresham City Councilor

Currently campaigning for a seat on Metro Council, Shirley Craddick serves as a Gresham City Councilor where she was sworn into office in 2005. Her goal, and passion, is to create thriving communities in East County with great neighborhoods, sustainable business and employment opportunities, and successful schools.

Tangerine Bolen

Currently pursuing a PhD in Public Administration and Policy and Master's in Public Health, Tangerine Bolen is passionate about pursuing intelligent and compassionate social policy that supports the health and welfare of all Oregon's citizen's.

Teresa Baldwin

In 2005, Teresa Baldwin and her children settled in Portland after having lived in the United Kingdom since 1988. Currently an instructor in Clackamas County teaching GED and vocational training to adults receiving assistance from the Department of Human Services, Teresa is deeply committed to education.

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Emerge Oregon Class of 2010