Center for Women’s Leadership 9th Annual Power Lunch Honors Local Standouts

by Elisa Klein | Nov 14, 2015 | Events, Features, Uncategorized

Portland, October 1st, 2015. Over 550 people gathered at the Portland Art Museum to celebrate women who’ve made a difference in Oregon. The benefit was the most successful to date for the Center for Leadership (CWL) and raised nearly $145,000 to support the leadership ambitions of girls and women. Located on the campus of Portland State University within the Mark O. Hatfield School of Government, the organization offers a new women’s leadership initiative for college students. On hand for the event were: Executive Director Sunny Petit, Program Director Mariana Lindsay, Chief Judge Ann Aiken, Governor Barbara Roberts, Latino Network Executive Director Carmen Rubio, Conscious Coils Founder Amber Starks, and Former CEO of U.S. Bank of Oregon/SWW Malia Wasson.

This year the CWL honored five women who have made a difference in Oregon through their leadership in the arts, politics, law, and business. This year’s awardees were Governor Kate Brown (Lifetime Achievement Award), Honorable Chief District Judge Ann Aiken (Law, Policy & Advocacy Award), Latino Network Executive Director Carmen Rubio (Nonprofit Award), Conscious Coils Founder Amber Starks (Emerging Leader Award), Former U.S. Bank of Oregon/SWW President Malia Wasson (Civic/Business Award).

State Senator Elizabeth Steiner-Hayward, Commissioner Loretta Smith, State Senator Margaret Carter, Representative Val Hoyle

Honorable Chief District Judge Ann Aiken was honored with the Law, Policy & Advocacy Award.

Katya Gibson-Gallardo, Arlene Amaya, Alexa Jakusovszky, Dana Ghazi (Alumna & PSU Student Body President)

B of A President Roger Hinshaw (right) presenting the Lifetime Achievement Award to Governor Kate Brown accepted by Oregon’s First Gentleman Dan Little (left) as she was dealing with the immediate aftermath of the tragedy in Roseburg.

From The Center for Women’s Leadership:

The CWL was honored to have Bank of America as the first ever Presenting Sponsor at the 9th Annual Power Lunch. Bank of America makes it possible for girls and women to visualize and pursue leadership in their schools, neighborhoods, cities, the state, and beyond. 

The Center for Women’s Leadership believes equitable leadership will lead to better solutions for the complex problems vexing our world. With an average 15% of women in leadership across all sectors, we know increasing women’s involvement will create lasting and necessary change.  We envision an Oregon where women have equal representation in leadership positions and lead confidently in their chosen fields. The Center aims to be an advocate, an authority, and a resource that provides women with the knowledge and networks needed to take on leadership roles throughout Oregon.

Our Mission Statement: Through dedicated outreach, education and skill training, the Center for Women’s Leadership empowers women and girls in Oregon to embrace their voice, lead confidently, and change the narrative of their leadership. 

Office: (503) 725-2895 – Fax: (503)725-8250

Email: [email protected]

Mailing Address:

Center for Women’s Leadership
Hatfield School of Government
P.O. Box 751
Portland OR 97207-0751

Office Location:

Urban Center Building
506 SW Mill Street
Room 530D
Portland, Oregon 97201

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