Meet the Class of 2010!

At a glance:

• They range in age from their 20s through their 60s
• More than a third of them are from outside Portland, including the cities of Ashland, Bend, Eugene, Gresham, North Bend, Pendleton, Portland, Springfield, The Dalles, and Tualatin
• A third are women of color
• They represent the fields of health care, education, law, entrepreneurship and small business,public service,advocacy (environment, children, education, health care),consultancy and management
• They are moms and grandmothers, policy wonks, students, retired and launching second careers, advisors,mentors and passionate activists and advocates all
• And perhaps most importantly, they are united in their desire to serve their communities and the state.

Christina Alexander - Living on Coos County land homesteaded by her children's great grandfather, Christina is a professor at Southwestern Oregon Community College, where she serves as Department Chair for Social Sciences, Art and Philosophy.  Her extensive commitment to education includes the nine years she spent initiating and developing the Head Start Program in Coos and Curry counties.  Pleased to be part of the next Emerge Oregon cohort, Alexander looks forward to gaining the skills, knowledge, and experience to continue and expand her public service.

Teresa Baldwin - "Aretha Franklin and Annie Lennox sing that, 'Sisters are doing it for themselves,' and so we are with Emerge Oregon."  Teresa's experience -- in two countries and on two continents -- and as a mother, educator, community leader, charity founder, small business owner, and union member have inspired her to serve the public interest by initiating effective policies created to anticipate and respond to our community needs.  "I am honored to be part of this amazing class of 2010."

Jodie Barram - After nearly winning the November 2008 election, Jodie was appointed to the Bend City Council a month later.  Her passion for Central Oregon and its natural environment drives her to promote a robust tourism industry, enhance recreational assets, and pursue renewable energy opportunities in the region.  "Emerge Oregon presents an exciting program for training to retain my seat.  I look forward to learning how to run a more effective campaign and winning my election in 2010!"

Tangerine Bolen -   With a background in integrative medicine and health care reform, Tangerine is passionate about health and healing, as well as restoring civility and bridge-building to the political process.  Particularly interested in mental health needs and supporting those who suffer from PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder), Bolen is also interested in developing sustainable communities through affordable housing.  "I know Emerge will support my goals of a life dedicated to revitalized politics and social change."

Shirley Craddick - A City of Gresham councilor and candidate for Metro in the 2010 primary election, Shirley got involved in politics after retiring from a 32-year career as a health care professional - both scientist and nutrition specialist.  Craddick notes, "I am very appreciative and honored to be accepted into the Emerge Oregon program."   She's looking forward to the opportunity to meet, work, and learn from women who are also interested and experienced in community leadership.  "I love my community, and know my Emerge training will help me become a more effective leader. "

Sally Erickson - Currently managing the "Ending Homelessness Initiative" for the City of Portland, Sally believes that anyone who is smart, optimistic, persistent, and wants to "change the world" should have the opportunity to serve the community by seeking public office.  Erickson is inspired by the many great Democratic women elected officials and community leaders she's had opportunity to work with and believes that Emerge will provide her the skills to run for office herself and serve her community well.

Julie Fahey - "I'm truly excited about the opportunity to both learn from Emerge Oregon and to help the organization further its goal of electing more Democratic women to office."  Fahey is confident that Emerge Oregon can give her the necessary tools to help turn her passion, expertise, and talent into both a successful campaign and more capable leadership.  A recent transplant to Oregon, Julie is eager to help her new community address the challenges we face in the areas of taxation, education reform, and the environment.

Kathleen Feehan - Having lived in both the Willamette Valley and now in eastern Oregon, Feehan has represented Oregon tribal governments for 13 years, promoting tribal interests in healthy and balanced natural resource management.  Dedicated to ensuring quality education for all kids, Kathleen believes that every Oregon child deserves the opportunity to achieve an excellent and rigorous education in our public schools.  "Emerge provides women the skills to most successfully contribute to problem solving in our communities.  I am excited to be a member of the class of 2010 and further my potential so that I can, in turn, help our communities reach theirs." 

Jennifer Geller - The Emerge Oregon program will provide Jennifer, a recently elected school board member in Eugene, the opportunity to sharpen her political skills for her current and future elected positions.  Believing that public policy plays a critical role in ensuring that Oregon has a sound economy, healthy environment and ample educational opportunities, Geller knows that women's voices need to be heard.  "I will use my newly honed skills and life experiences-attorney, mother, and educator-to ensure that my home state is a great place to live and work."

Tonya Graham - In her professional life, Tonya works to address climate change and natural resource issues.  A seasoned bridge-builder, Graham knows that the best solutions bring together varied opinions and solve multiple problems.  "I'm excited by the opportunity Emerge provides to learn and grow with a diverse group of women, integrating our unique perspectives into public policy in a way that is powerful, effective, and affirms our personal values and ethics."

Kristi Jo (KJ) Lewis - KJ moved to Portland after building domestic violence shelters in South Africa, then serving in the U.S. Peace Corps in Namibia, working on that country's massive "Education for Democracy" reform effort.  In 2006, after earning her Masters in Public Administration and an MS in Education Policy from Portland State University, Lewis launched Global Sistergoods, an online fair trade marketplace for women artisans. She is excited to take the next step in her activism and community service, and apply what she learns in Emerge Oregon to an eventual run for political office. 

Darcy Long-Curtiss - Darcy is a committed community volunteer who has advocated tirelessly for children, youth and families.  Born and raised in rural Oregon but with experience living abroad and in Washington, DC, Darcy brings a mix of rural, urban, national, and international understanding to Oregon politics.  A firm believer that everything in life is influenced by politics, she strives to bring the voice of underrepresented Oregonians to the political process.

Donna Maddux - A Tualatin City Councilor seeking re-election to her second term in 2010, Donna is committed to public service beyond her current elected position.  She currently works as a statewide prosecutor and was member of the first class of AmeriCorps in 1994.  With Emerge, she looks forward to expanding her strong foundation of skills and experiences to allow her to best serve her community as a public leader.

Ryan Manion - "I am thrilled to be chosen for the Emerge Oregon Class of 2010!" An organizer, advocate, activist and current stay-at-home mom, Ryan is looking forward to learning from the best political minds in Oregon and working for progressive change with other dedicated, passionate women.  Ryan knows that this generation is making critical long-term decisions about health care, transportation, clean water, environmental and energy conservation, education, taxes and more, and believes that Emerge Oregon will give her the skills to run for political office so she can be a part of the solution.

Sharon Meieran - As a practicing Emergency medicine physician, Sharon works with individuals from all walks of life and notes that each day, she's reminded that the safety net for our most vulnerable population is failing.  As a mother of two young children, Meieran is concerned that our educational system is on the brink of failing its students.  And as a "recovering attorney" (having practiced law for seven years prior to attending medical school), she appreciates the intricacies of getting things done in our complicated political system.  "I know that Emerge Oregon will provide me with the tools to provide better solutions for the Oregon community."

Shalonda Menefee - Born and raised in Northeast Portland, Shalonda both understands and actively works to empower and support her community.  With a strong background in building partnerships, developed through her work with a variety of organizations (including Head Start, PSU's NAACP Chapter, 4-H), and as a current member of two Multnomah County citizen's committees, Menefee knows that there is a disenfranchised community in Portland that needs a stronger voice.  Shalonda believes that Emerge Oregon will enhance her skills and knowledge and will prepare her for the political arena to continue to create positive change in her community.

Sheri Moore - A "retired" teacher back in the classroom half-time, Sheri cares deeply about children, the environment, and the economy of her native Oregon. Growing up in a hard-working Democratic family, Moore was the first child to graduate from college.  She learned early the value of hard work and is deeply committed to our "amazing, geographically and socially diverse" state. "Emerge will help me use my experience as wife, mother, teacher, grandmother, master gardener, Springfield Planning Commissioner, neighbor, friend, and lifelong learner  to work towards justice and prosperity for all of Oregon's citizens."

Nova Newcomer - A native Portlander, Nova is a social media consultant and entrepreneur. Currently lending her expertise to Oregon non-profits focused on energy and women's political leadership, Nova is passionate about public education, small business development and reform of the criminal justice system. She's excited to join the 2010 Emerge Oregon class and take the next step toward her lifelong dream of public service.

Andrea Paluso - A social worker turned community activist with a passion for building policies and practices that support economic security for families, that value family care work, and that promote work/life balance, Andrea is eager to join Emerge Oregon's 2010 class.  She looks forward to joining her colleagues in leading the way toward a more equitable and sustainable future for Oregon's families.

Roberta Phillip A former high-school science teacher, Phillip moved to Portland in 2003 to attend Lewis and Clark Law School.  Noting that public service has always been an integral part of her life, Roberta has interned with the Oregon Supreme Court and most recently directed policy at the National Crittenton Foundation on behalf of at-risk girls. Emerge will give her the chance to hone her leadership and political skills as well as explore new avenues of service and leadership.   

Consuelo Saragoza -Arriving in Oregon as a student in the 1970s, Consuelo bears witness to the changing face of Oregon and knows that our elected representation has not kept up with the sweeping demographic changes we have experienced.  Her commitment to Emerge Oregon is to both empower more women and encourage more diverse representation to address issues affecting communities traditionally under-represented in state government.  "It is time for Oregon to embrace and recognize this new wave of diversity and elect women leaders."

Samaura Stone - Samaura, a passionate advocate for children in foster care, is committed to both improving the process and finding ways to reduce the number of children entering the child welfare system each year in Oregon.  She's excited to be a member of Emerge Oregon's Class of 2010; "I am confident that this program will equip me with the skills needed to become a stronger leader for my community."