Board of Directors

Pride celebrations have been held in Portland since the 1970′s. In 1994, the original board of directors of Pride Northwest created a 501c3 organization and held their first meeting. Since that time, the board and the event has grown considerably.

Today, Pride Northwest is made up of a dynamic group of individuals from many different backgrounds who are dedicated to providing a venue for the queer community to gather and celebrate. The mission of Pride Northwest, Inc. is to encourage and celebrate the positive diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer communities, and to assist in the education of all people through the development of activities that showcase the history, accomplishments, and talents of these communities.

 

Pride Northwest Board of Directors

 

Debra Porta – President

Debra Porta is a Texas transplant, currently completing her Master’s in Public Administration, specializing in Nonprofit Management. Politically active, Debra is committed to ensuring that all voices are at the table and represented. She and her partner of almost five years enjoy spending time with friends and taking care of their first home.

Ben Brown Jr. – Vice-President & Secretary

Ben Brown Jr. is a local area graphic designer who’s work has been utilized with the Oregon Bears, OHSU, Blackout Leather Productions, Bad Girls, Cascade AIDS Project, Pride NW, the Imperial Sovereign Rose Court, and many others. Ben was previously Media Chairman for Capitol Pride in Salem in 2001 and 2002, was on the Oregon Bears board of directors from 2005-2008 and is a former Mr. Oregon State Leather. Ben can also be seen at his day job as a bear-ista at Starbucks in the Division Center. A retrospective of some of his more recent was held in August 2010 in SE Portland at the Conservatory.

Pat Olson-Stine – Treasurer

Pat Olson-Stine moved back to Portland in 1991 after his time in the Marines. He has volunteered a lot of time here in the Portland area with the American Red Cross and Our House. Pat currently does online support for a phone company. During his off time Pat likes to travel around the State of Oregon with family and friends.

 

Category: Corp Stuff