It takes a village to support the year-round work we do, and our village is passionately committed to the cause.
All TASTE for Equity volunteers make the following commitments:
We show we are committed to one another and our shared mission when we show up fully and authentically for one another.
We spend money on our true priorities. Equity must go beyond a talking point for each of us.
Like a great pot-luck gathering, when we each do our part, no one is overburdened and all get to enjoy the fruits of each contribution.
We share what we believe in and what moves our heart.
For our own well being and for a healthy, just community, we must each own our personal equity journey and continue working to advance it.
“Volunteering with TASTE has been an incredibly fulfilling and inspirational experience. It has allowed me to embrace my passions for community and equity, while also celebrating the power of food and culture to bring people together. Witnessing the creativity and dedication of the amazing talents in our region has been unmatched. Together, our collective efforts can create profound positive change.”
- Kaysha Duffy (she/her), Director of Social Impact at OnPoint Community Credit Union
We have seven active committees that make our events, marketing and annual gala come to life. We couldn’t do it without the amazing volunteers who serve on these committees.
Our Steering Committee guides the mission and ensures the achievement of TASTE for Equity’s goals.
This Committee sets the vision, plan, and execution of our small event opportunities, forging connections and inspiring action throughout the year. Events are centered in creating space for people to feel invested in and celebrated for the work they do, in building community, and in highlighting the impact of return of investment in TASTE.
The Marketing Committee manages TASTE for Equity’s brand, maintains strong marketing collateral, and helps build customer loyalty through marketing and public relations avenues.
The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for achieving TASTE for Equity’s annual revenue goals.
The Honoree Selection Committee is responsible for selecting an honoree for each of the Gala award categories: Impact, Inspire, Innovate.
This Committee is activated on a short term basis each summer to choose the 10 chefs for the TASTE for Equity Gala.
This Committee is activated on a short term basis each summer to choose the 10 chefs for the TASTE for Equity Gala.
Having the opportunity to work with such incredibly talented and passionate people building a really intimate and intentional community centered on creating the kind of equitable Portland we all aspire to has been feeding my soul.
- Ben Hennes (he/him)
Happylucky, Co-Founder / Chief Creative Officer
Albert Alaniz
Alexis Braly-James*, Construct the Present
Alice Achayo, The Wine Linguist
Amani Austin, Austin Advocates With LLC
Amina Sheikh-Wali
Andrea Chunga-Celis*, Adelante Mujeres
Angie Nomie, Angie Nomie Connections
Ben Hennes*, Happylucky
Carly Brown, Nonprofit Professionals Now
Christopher Brown, Couture of Music
Crystal Chanel Hardy, Just Press Release
DeAnna Ornelas*
Donell Morgan, Elevate Oregon
Eric Secher, Tillamook
Erin Mcclellan, Providence Health Plan
Gabriella Martinez, Sweet Creature PDX
Jeanie Nguyen*
Jenny Nguyen, The Sports Bra
Joth Ricci**, Dutch Bros.
Juan Martinez°, Latino Network
Kali Thorne Ladd**°, Children's Institute
Katie Petri*°, Tillamook
Kaysha Duffy*, OnPoint Credit Union
Kiara Hardy, Kitchen Killa
Kilaa Slaughter-Scott, Cambia Health Solutions
L.B. Yockey Jones°, Oregon Parks & Rec
Libby Kennedy
Maria Linman, Thesis
Mark Holloway*°, Full Potential Fund
Megumi Marange, APANO
Michelle Jalali°, Portland Trail Blazers
Miguel Marquez Garcia, Republica
MJ Jackson, WSP
Moana Newman, 1000 Friends of Oregon
Nikotris Lewis, New Seasons Market
Oliver Dinero, Unlock Creative
Patrick Tran*
Phil Chun*, Polaris
Remy Drabkin, Remy Wines
Sam Gattone, Davis Wright Tremaine
Sasheen Turner, AKQA
Shea Flaherty Betin
Sofia Torres, Cramosi Vineyard
Stephen Green, Better Portland
Tanya Macedo, Cambia Health Solutions
Thuy Pham, Growing Gardens
Veronika Hiyama, Jacobsen Salt
** Founder
* 2024 Steering Committee
º Board of Directors