GALA 2025
HONOREES
Discover our Gala 2025 featured Winemakers—crafting remarkable wines that perfectly complement an unforgettable evening.
Impact Honoree
Executive Director:
Lee Po Cha
Accepting award:
Jihane Nami, Associate Program Director
Third Party Validator:
Mark Holloway
For nearly 50 years, the Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) has been a cornerstone of equity and belonging in Oregon. Founded by immigrants and refugees, to support families newly arriving to the state, IRCO has grown into one of Oregon’s largest community-based organizations, serving over 25,000 people each year.
IRCO's long-standing mission is to welcome, serve, and empower immigrants, refugees, and people across cultures and generations. This commitment to ensuring everyone in Oregon, no matter where they are from, has the opportunity to thrive remains at the heart of IRCO's work today. From language access and workforce training to youth programs and senior support and more, IRCO has demonstrated decades of success in serving hard-to-reach populations, especially immigrant and refugee communities that other organizations struggle to engage. IRCO's work reduces barriers to success for immigrant, refugee, and families from across cultures and generations, while creating pathways to opportunity and community connection. Their work has been instrumental in shaping Oregon into a more inclusive, equitable state where diverse communities can thrive.
IRCO’s decades of unwavering commitment and leadership embody the spirit of the Impact Award, honoring equity work that has long been embedded as a core purpose and continues to transform lives across generations.
Inspire Honoree
Third Party Validator:
Donell Morgan
Libra Forde, Executive Director of the Women’s Foundation of Oregon, is a nationally recognized leader whose joyful and authentic approach to equity work has inspired change across the state. With more than 25 years in corporate and nonprofit leadership, she has championed racial and gender justice by dismantling barriers and creating bold pathways for communities to thrive. From co-founding Hawai‘i’s largest charter hybrid school to leading one of Oregon’s largest culturally specific nonprofits, Libra’s work consistently centers those historically excluded from opportunity.
She currently serves as Chair of the Oregon Commission for Women and on the Oregon State Board of Education, where her voice advances systems-level equity. A celebrated public speaker and award-winning advocate, Libra brings both courage and compassion to her leadership. Her unwavering commitment to justice, joy, and possibility makes her a true embodiment of the Inspire Award at Taste for Equity.
Innovation Honoree
Third Party Validator:
Jeanie Nguyen
Tom Sollitt, founder of Asian American Town, is transforming Oregon’s cultural and economic landscape by building visibility, equity, and opportunity for Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Through initiatives like the Legendary Makers Market, Tom has created an inclusive platform that celebrates AAPI entrepreneurs, artists, and food makers while strengthening cross-community connections. This vibrant market not only uplifts small businesses but also reimagines how equity and abundance can be cultivated through culture, generational wealth creation, and shared storytelling.
Tom’s innovative approach blends advocacy with action—spotlighting underrepresented voices while creating tangible pathways for prosperity. Tom spearheads many other events throughout the year in partnership with other AAPI community changemakers to create meaningful ties in the wide AAPI diaspora. By centering joy, creativity, and collaboration, he is advancing equity in fresh and meaningful ways that inspire both community pride and broader systems change. For his visionary leadership and bold commitment to innovation in equity, Tom is recognized with the 2025 Innovation Award.
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