Equity Foundation’s 2014 Women Who Lead Luncheon is Uplifting

Portland, May 15th, 2014. The Women Who Lead Luncheon honors women who improve opportunities and expanded political and social participation for underrepresented communities. At the event, Aimee Santos-Lyons and Moira Bowman gathered with friends. The Luncheon at the Nines Hotel was created in 2012 by the Equity Foundation. This year, Jeana Frazzini (Basic Rights Oregon) and Melanie Davis (PQ Monthly/El Hispanic News) were awarded the Women Who Lead Leadership Award, and Kathleen Saadat was the recipient of the Women Who Lead Lifetime Achievement Award. The purpose and mission of the Equity Foundation is to “leverage resources to create social, economic, and political equity for the LGBTQ community”.

Event emcee, Ann Schatz speaks to the crowd.

From OHSU Crystal Roberts and Valerie Scott-Cardenas

Mary Rita Hurley, Penelope Mandell, and Tom Griffin

Board Member and Director; St. James Child Development Center, Patrick Earnest and Ryan Wayman from Mass Mutual

Vice Chair of Equity Foundation Board and PSU Head Women’s Basketball Coach, Sherri Murrell poses with attorney Jody Stahancyk from Stahancyk, Kent, & Hook P.C. pose for the camera

Jean Rosenbaum shows off her outfit for the camera

Equity Foundation Executive Director, Karol Collymore present the leadership to Basic Rights Oregon’s Executive Director, Jeana Frazzini

Lifetime Achievement Award recipient, Kathleen Saadat talks with Luncheon attendees

PQ Monthly owner and publisher, and Leadership Award recipient, Melanie Davis and her partner Gabriela (FR) introduce themselves to attendees

Annette Campista, Vice President and Planning Committee member (0n the left) poses with attendees

From the Equity Foundation:

This Luncheon is our chance to gather together to celebrate and award women who use their voices and their actions to advance equality for the LGBTQ community. They are thinkers and doers—women who pursue their vision with determination and a focus on impact. This award recognizes their commitment to social justice, activism and passion for community-led solutions. It celebrates two high-powered women who are making a difference—leaders who have changed the face of business, education, women’s health, sports and more. These two individuals represent the courage, commitment, and innovative thinking of all the remarkable people who work on the frontlines of social change. Through their extraordinary vision and courageous work, these women are improving the lives of all people in our community.

Elisa Klein

I’ve been a professional journalist and writer since 1987, (and long-time reporter for KOIN-TV.) As a nationally published reporter, with a Master’s Degree in Journalism, I love to report positive news and information. Journalism has also connected me with another non-profit where I served as a leader; the Northwest’s biggest writer’s organization: The Willamette Writers.