DACA Rally in Portland - Photo credit: Stephanie Yao Long via OregonLive.com
A Note From Emily
Hi Everyone,
By now, you've surely heard about the current administration's decision to dismantle the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Following this announcement, elected officials and community members across our state swiftly responded in support of the nearly 800,000 immigrant youth enrolled in the program nationwide. More than 11,000 Oregonians are Dreamers whose futures remain uncertain and whose lives have been turned upside down by the daily fear that they, or their loved ones, might get deported.
At the Women's Foundation, we stand alongside these brave and resilient immigrant families - our neighbors, fellow students, and colleagues - who contribute an extraordinary amount to our state. While the challenges facing our state and nation are many, I continue to be inspired by Oregon women and girls who band together to defend what we know is right.
Forward together, Emily
Stat of the Month
With over 11,000 Dreamers, Oregon is one of the 20 states with the highest number of DACA youth (half of whom are female).
Foundation Updates
Investment Update
We're delighted to announce our new monthly Foundation Partner Breakfast! Join us for breakfast at 9:30am on the first Friday of each month to learn about the work of the Foundation.
Meet our team, ask questions about our grants program, membership, volunteering and more. Get to know others in the community who are centering the experiences of women and girls across our state. Please RSVP to attend and feel free to bring guests! These monthly breakfasts will be held at the Foundation office, 221 NW 2nd Ave., 3rd Floor, Portland.
Member Spotlight
Name: Chelsea Bunch, MSW Age: 35 Occupation: Community Collaboration & Investment Manager at United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Member of the Women's Foundation since: May 2015
What’s your favorite spot in Oregon? Hug Point Beach, just south of Cannon Beach…it’s one of the most beautiful, fun beaches I’ve ever been to in Oregon! There are great little shallow caves to walk into, a small waterfall, and the sand is packed well, so it’s good for throwing a blanket down and relaxing.
What quality do you most admire in others? The ability to speak your truth responsibly.
Which talent would you most like to have? I would love to play the piano…it’s such a beautiful instrument!
What was your first volunteer experience? I’m not sure that it was my first, but certainly most memorable. In high school, I had the privilege of spending time with a resident at a local nursing home. I helped her with day-to-day things, but the best part of our time together was sitting with her and hearing all of her wisdom about life, particularly as a woman of color. Some of the best times I’ve had!
What’s the best place to eat in our great state? You can never go wrong with the Original Hotcake House! It’s open 24 hours and they have the BEST pancakes!
What do you consider your greatest achievement? I honestly believe being a mother is my greatest achievement. For me, there has been no greater joy and no greater challenge than being a mother to two brilliant, bright, and funny African-American boys!!
Which woman (living or dead) do you most admire? My forever First Lady Michelle Obama! She is genius personified, powerful, and speaks her truth responsibly!
What’s your most treasured possession? I found a couple of old photos of my late father when he was a young child… I will forever hold onto those. I see my boys in those pictures.
What is your personal motto? Every day, in all you do, be your most authentic self.
What’s your idea of perfect happiness? Good music, blue skies, powder white sand, and turquoise waters with my boys! And a good book…and a cocktail! Ha!
What makes you laugh uncontrollably? My boys! Every day they keep me in stitches!
Why are you a member of the Women’s Foundation? There’s something special when women get together. We’re bold, strong, tender, and powerful! We’re dynamic! Who wouldn’t want to be a part of an organization that is actively supporting all of who we are?!
Thanks so much, Chelsea!
Make a Difference
In the midst of a catastrophic Hurricane season, donations of blood and platelets are more urgent than ever. If you are able to donate, please find a Red Cross blood drive in your area here.
Have a volunteer opportunity you'd like us to share? Email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Community Events
Sept. 19: Webinar: How to Respond to Harassment, Online The NW Network presents an interactive webinar that will prepare participants to name, frame, and respond to oppressive or concerning comments and actions, and incidents of harassment.
Oct. 4: Empowerment Breakfast, Portland Dress for Success Oregon's annual fall fundraiser draws together business, civic, and social leaders to focus on the struggles of unemployed and underemployed women.
Oct. 6: Women's Foundation Monthly Partner Breakfast, Portland Join us for breakfast the first Friday of the month to learn more about what the Women's Foundation of Oregon does.
Oct. 12: Pathways Gala & Auction, Oregon City Clackamas Women’s Services hosts its annual event in support of survivors of domestic violence and their children. Join generous donors, community partners, and corporate partners for a memorable evening.
Oct. 20:Oregon Commission For Women Nomination Deadline, Statewide OCFW is seeking nominations of trailblazers and emerging leaders who epitomize the Oregon State motto – “She Flies with Her Own Wings” – for its 2017 Women of Achievement (WOA) Awards. The nomination period is September 5 to October 20, 2017.
If you would like your event added to our calendar, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Returning the Favor: Girls Build Episode 3 of Mike Rowe's "Returning the Favor" show features Girls Build founder Katie Hughes and her goal of reducing the gender gap in the building industry.
Bike Portland: Portland’s Network of Bike Clubs for Women is Thriving Several new groups have popped up for women on wheels, including a local chapter of national group Black Girls Do Bike andBikin’ Betties, a weekly ride.
The National Law Review: Oregon Enacts Expansive Pay Equity Law The Oregon Equal Pay Act of 2017 addresses gender wage disparities, and the majority of its requirements will go into effect January 1, 2019.
Membership Matters
Our members support us in so many ways: from your membership donations to your time volunteering in the office and at our events.
Now there are even more ways you can support us! As you make your will and estate plans, please consider adding the Women's Foundation of Oregon. For more information on Planned Giving, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Also, your employer may match your gift to the Women's Foundation! Check with your human resources department to see if your company will match your charitable donations. If you have any questions regarding your membership please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we'll be happy to help.
If you're not yet a member, join us by clicking here!
Become a member of the Women's Foundation of Oregon and join us as we work towards solving some of the most challenging issues facing the womxn, girls, and femmes of our state.
