Be an equity champion
It takes a village to support the year-round work we do, and our village is passionately committed to the cause.
Our Commitments
All TASTE for Equity volunteers make the following commitments:
SHOW UP
We show we are committed to one another and our shared mission when we show up fully and authentically for one another.
CONTRIBUTE
We spend money on our true priorities. Equity must go beyond a talking point for each of us.
SHARE THE LOAD
Like a great pot-luck gathering, when we each do our part, no one is overburdened and all get to enjoy the fruits of each contribution.
EVANGELIZE
We share what we believe in and what moves our heart.
DO YOUR PERSONAL EQUITY WORK
For our own well being and for a healthy, just community, we must each own our personal equity journey and continue working to advance it.
“Volunteering with TASTE has been an incredibly fulfilling and inspirational experience. It has allowed me to embrace my passions for community and equity, while also celebrating the power of food and culture to bring people together. Witnessing the creativity and dedication of the amazing talents in our region has been unmatched. Together, our collective efforts can create profound positive change.”
- Kaysha Duffy (she/her), OnPoint Community Credit Union
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Practitioner— Quote Source
Learn more about our committees and volunteers below and let us know here if you’re interested in joining us:
Our Committees
We have seven active committees that make our events, marketing and annual gala come to life. We couldn’t do it without the amazing volunteers who serve on these committees.
STEERING COMMITTEE
Our Steering Committee guides the mission and ensures the achievement of TASTE for Equity’s goals.
SMALL EVENTS COMMITTEE
This Committee sets the vision, plan, and execution of our small event opportunities, forging connections and inspiring action throughout the year. Events are centered in creating space for people to feel invested in and celebrated for the work they do, in building community, and in highlighting the impact of return of investment in TASTE.
MARKETING COMMITTEE
The Marketing Committee manages TASTE for Equity’s brand, maintains strong marketing collateral, and helps build customer loyalty through marketing and public relations avenues.
SPONSORSHIP COMMITTEE
The Sponsorship Committee is responsible for achieving TASTE for Equity’s annual revenue goals.
HONOREE SELECTION COMMITTEE
The Honoree Selection Committee is responsible for selecting an honoree for each of the Gala award categories: Impact, Inspire, Innovate.
CHEF SELECTION COMMITTEE
This Committee is activated on a short term basis each summer to choose the 10 chefs for the TASTE for Equity Gala.
WINERY SELECTION COMMITTEE
This Committee is activated on a short term basis each summer to choose the 10 chefs for the TASTE for Equity Gala.
Having the opportunity to work with such incredibly talented and passionate people building a really intimate and intentional community centered on creating the kind of equitable Portland we all aspire to has been feeding my soul.
Ben Hennes (he/him)
Happylucky, Co-Founder / Chief Creative Officer
Our Volunteers
Albert Alaniz
Alexis Braly James*, Construct the Present
Amani Austin
Andrea Chunga-Celis*, Adelante Mujeres
Alison Tierney
Allison Rosenblum, Tillamook
Amina Sheikh-Wali*, Kaiser Permanente
Angie Nomie*
Anja Taylor*, Kinesis
Ben Hennes*, Happylucky
Bryan Clark, Peak Xperience
Candace Avalos, Verde
Carly Brown
Chabre Vickers, Prosper Portland
Christopher Brown*, Couture of Music
David Adelsheim, Adelsheim Vineyard
Erin McClellan, Providence Health Plan
Erin Thomas, Habitat for Humanity
Chef Fatou Ouattara, AKADI PDX
James Rincon*, Latino Network
Janaiya Johnson*, Nike
Jeannie Shay, Kaiser Permanente
Jessica Mozeico, El Fille Wines
Joth Ricci**, Dutch Bros
Josephine Davis*, OnPoint Credit Union
Juan Martinezº, Latino Network
Kali Thorne Ladd**, Children's Institute
Kate Merrill*, Prosper Portland
Karen Kitigbak*, APANO
Katie Petri*º, Tillamook
Katie Schoen*, New Seasons Market
Kaysha Duffy*, OnPoint Credit Union
Kilaa Slaughter-Scott*, Cambia Health Solutions
Kim Lepin, APANO
LB Yockey Jones*º, Social Venture Partners
Marcus Mundy, Coalition of Communities of Color
Maria Linman, Thesis
Mark Holloway*º, Full Potential Fund
Michelle Jalali*º, Portland Trail Blazers
Nikotris Lewis, New Seasons Market
Phil Chun, Polaris
Phoebe Thums*, Craft3
Dr. Robin Beavers, Timbers/Thorns
Sam Gattone, Davis Wright Tremaine
Sasheen Turner
Sofia Torres-Mccay, Cramoisi Vineyard
Sprinavasa Brown*, ELSO, Inc.
Su Embree
Tanya Macedo, Cambia Health
Timshel Tarbet*, Providence Health Plan
Tricia San Mateo*, TSM Consulting
** Founder
* 2024 Steering Committee
º Board of Directors
