Finding Community

Episode 19 of Finding Community arrives just as Hispanic Heritage Month is ending, and we are pleased to have as our guest Dr. Ruth Zúñiga. Ruth is a licensed psychologist who has won awards for her work in the community. As co-founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Raíces de Bienestar, Ruth works to improve and strengthen the mental health and emotional wellbeing of the Latinx community in Oregon. Glenn chats with Ruth about her experiences growing up in rural Costa Rica, pushing up against the social norms of her evangelical Christian upbringing to eventually earn a PhD in Clinical and Community Psychology which she combines with her passion for service to the Latinx community. Ruth speaks of the signs that have guided her path which have often come as messages from those who have supported her, whether in an Idaho college town, the outskirts of Anchorage, Alaska, or in Oregon where she, her husband, and daughter have called home for nearly ten years.Transcript available: https://bit.ly/Ep19_TranscriptsLearn about Raíces de Bienestar at https://raicesdebienestar.org/Learn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

David Martinez joins us for Episode 18 of Finding Community. In his role as Assistant County Administrator, he is among the newest members of Washington County’s leadership team and one of the most civically engaged Latinx leaders in the region.David shares about his life growing up in a large farmworker family in eastern Oregon, and he muses on the differences between rural and urban communities. He reveals the wisdom and empathy gained from a personal journey around identity as a Latino gay man, and how his professional life has been shaped by a strong work ethic and a commitment to being an authentic, accessible, and welcoming leader.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep18_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Our guest for Episode 17 of Finding Community is Jonath Colón, Director at Centro de Prosperidad, Centro Cultural's culturally-specific workforce and economic development program.Glenn chats with Jonath about growing up in a big family in Puerto Rico, where he was grounded in the values of community and love of nature, about the generosity of people who saw his potential and gave him opportunities, and about how he helps others by passing along what he’s learned through his work at Prosperidad. Jonath reflects on how technology is changing the job market and the workforce, and the impact of COVID on people’s values and expectations. He challenges us to see people, including ourselves, not just where we are today, but where we could be.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep17_TranscriptsFind Centro de Prosperidad at: https://www.centrocultural.org/prosperidadLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Episode 16 of Finding Community features Dave Mowry, who shares his story of living with mental illness that cost him his business, his home, and the “lost years” as a husband and father. Through the unwavering support of his wife, Dave found NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and began his journey to reclaim his life. He is now Executive Director of NAMI Washington County and a best-selling author. Dave talks about the healing power of acceptance and community, and how telling our stories can help others see themselves and know they are not alone.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep16_TranscriptsFind NAMI Washington County at: https://www.washconami.org/Find Dave's books at: https://amzn.to/3PAUArWLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Episode 15 of Finding Community features Cindy Cosenzo, who runs a business called Just Create Community, based out of Hillsboro, Oregon. She talks with Glenn about the inspiration for her business and how her work as a teacher, connector, and amplifier is designed to help people see each other’s humanity. Cindy’s work is focused on making people feel connected, safe, kind, and appreciated, and she teaches others to do the same through her trainings, programs, and community initiatives.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep15_transcriptsFind Just Create Community at: www.justcreatecommunity.comLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Episode 14 of Finding Community features Oregon State Senator Akasha Lawrence Spence. She talks with Glenn about the influence of her ancestors, of writers like bell hooks, and the determination of our youth. Together, they discuss the power and privilege of voting, of fostering a love ethic, and how listening to understand is key to serving the community.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep14_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Our guest for Episode 13 of Finding Community is Sabrina Wilson, Executive Director of the Rosewood Initiative, a nonprofit that has facilitated community-led strategies in East Portland's Rosewood neighborhood since 2009. Sabrina talks about the transformational work of her community-led organization, and shares insights about the importance of place and placemaking, the impact of the built environment on a community’s health and wellness, and how connecting people is the core work of community building.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep13_TranscriptsLearn about the Rosewood Initiative: https://www.rosewoodinitiative.org/Learn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Episode 12 of Finding Community features Lamar Wise, a political coordinator for one of the largest labor unions in Oregon and co-founder of Washington County Ignite, a political action committee dedicated to building power for Black, Indigenous and People of Color, the LGBTQ+ community, and young people. Lamar talks about the need for political leaders who are responsive to the community and willing to advocate for transformative change, and he shares his observations on the importance of listening, love, and mentorship in both politics and life. Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep12_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Our guest for episode Ep 11 of Finding Community is Cameron Whitten, CEO of Brown Hope, a once all-volunteer nonprofit he founded in 2018 which now boasts over a dozen staff and manages the Black Resilience Fund, Blackstreet Bakery, and a variety of other programs. Cameron talks candidly about his own journey and experiences with racism and trauma, and offers insight on healing trauma, the effects of the pandemic, the murder of George Floyd, and the subsequent racial justice movement. He explains how Brown Hope is creating a healing community for racial justice, and he shares a powerful message of love and hope.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep11_TranscriptsLearn more about Brown Hope at www.brownhope.orgLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer is Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Our guest for the tenth episode of Finding Community is Peter Block, a consultant, trainer, and bestselling author of several books, including “Community: The Structure of Belonging” and “The Abundant Community,” both of which offer a road map and tools to strengthen social bonds and create more resilient neighborhoods, cities, and society. Peter shares with us some insights on the conversations we can have to imagine a more habitable future; why connecting with our local communities is important; and why it is critical to shift from a focus on deficiency to one of abundance.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep10_TranscriptsPeter’s work is in the restoration of the common good and creating a world that reclaims our humanity from the onslaught of modernism.To find out more, see: www.peterblock.comDesigned Learning, Inc. (www.designedlearning.com) – offers training and consulting in Flawless Consulting and Leader as Convener.Common Good Collective (https://commongood.cc) - an initiative that makes accessible the foundational practices for restoring the common good. Learn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

Our guest for Episode 9 is Beach Pace, a Hillsboro, Oregon resident and graduate of West Point, who served seven years in the United States Army, is currently CEO of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Columbia Northwest, and who has been a Hillsboro City Council member since 2018. Beach shares her thoughts on leadership, public service, and community, and talks about her passion for mentoring youth and supporting her community through the pandemic.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep9_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria. Post-production by Jenny Moore.

In Episode 8 of Finding Community, Glenn interviews Beaverton, Oregon resident Dori King, an educator and school administrator, now Coordinator for Folks of Color in Schools (FOCIS), an alliance of people of color and white allies that seek to promote equity and social justice in schools. Dori talks about her passion for education and for supporting teachers of color, as well as her love for the Beaverton community, and her work with community engagement for the Beaverton Downtown Equity Strategy (BDES). Learn more about BDES Community Engagement events: BeavertonOregon.gov/DESTranscripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep8_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

Episode 7 of Finding Community honors Native American Heritage Month and the indigenous people of Washington County, Oregon. In this episode, Glenn speaks with Stephanie Littlebird Fogel and David Harrelson, both members of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. Stephanie is an artist, author, curator, and creative who grew up in Washington County and is a descendant of the Kalapuyan. David is the Cultural Resources Manager for the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, was appointed by Governor Brown to the Oregon Arts Commission, and sits on the State Advisory Committee for Historic Preservation. Glenn spoke with them about telling contemporary indigenous stories, Stephanie’s work with Five Oaks Museum on the exhibit This IS Kalapuyan Land, and the broader topics of place and community.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep7_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

Episode 6 of Finding Community was recorded on September 28, 2021. In the US, we celebrate National Hispanic or Latinx Heritage month for 30 days beginning September 15. In honor of this period, our guest host is Ed Guzman, a member of VAN’s board of directors, and he speaks with Petrona Dominguez Francisco, a DACA recipient, and Washington County resident employed by Adelante Mujeres in Forest Grove. The recording is in Spanish, and an English transcript of the conversation is also available.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep6_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

It’s time for back-to-school, and Episode 5 of Finding Community is a two-part series featuring students and parents as they were preparing for this current school year amidst an alarming spread of COVID-19. This is part two, where Glenn chats with Jennifer Ferguson, the mother of Imelda, who is entering first grade at McKinney Elementary School in Hillsboro. Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep5_Pt2_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

It’s time for back-to-school, and Episode 5 of Finding Community is a two-part series featuring students and parents as they were preparing for this current school year amidst an alarming spread of COVID-19. This is part one, where Glenn chats first with incoming high school senior Nathaniel Dozier, who is attending Westview High School in Beaverton School District, followed by a conversation with Brenda Houser and her daughter, Gabby, who's entering seventh grade at Evergreen Middle School in Hillsboro, Oregon.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep5_Pt1_TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

July is Park and Recreation Month, and Episode 4 of Finding Community features Alfredo Moreno, newly elected board member of Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District (TPHRD) and Community Relations Manager for the Rock Creek Campus of Portland Community College. Glenn chats with Alfredo about his role as a community builder, about the complex and changing concept of identity, and about how empathy can help build the bridges we need to move us all forward.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/Ep4TranscriptsLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

Episode 3 of Finding Community honors Pride Month with a discussion about the intersection of faith, spirituality, and personal identity. Our special guests were Beth Russell, a parent and educator in Hillsboro School District and Vice Chair of Westside Queer Resource Center (WQRC), Shannon Walton-Clark, Board Chair of the WQRC and a resident of Washington County, and David Eppelsheimer, Pastor of Community of ChristChurch in Hillsboro and Board Member of WQRC.Transcripts available here: https://bit.ly/FindingCommunityEp3Learn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan. Music by Choro da Alegria.

This episode of Finding Community was recorded on May 21, to commemorate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. VAN's Director of Community Engagement Fernanda Wilent chatted with Susifina Afemui, an Engineer Technician at Intel Corporation, leader of Pacific Islanders of Intel, and member of the Oregon Pacific Islander Coalition. They discuss the impacts of the pandemic on Afemui’s work and home life, her service to Pacific Islanders, and her commitment to honor their diversity as a means to strengthen the broader community. Transcripts available here: http://bit.ly/Ep2_AfemuiFor information on Operation HOPE, email susifina.afemui@intel.comLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan.

In our first episode, VAN's Executive Director Glenn Montgomery sits down with Washington County Commissioner Nafisa Fai. They discuss the path that led her to public service, her current priorities, and her vision of a “beloved community.”Transcripts available here: http://bit.ly/Ep1_FaiLearn more about VAN and our initiatives:https://www.visionactionnetwork.orghttps://www.facebook.com/VisionActionNetwork/https://www.instagram.com/visionactionnetwork/This episode was produced by Glenn Montgomery for Vision Action Network. Our audio editor and music producer was Mandana Khoshnevisan.