Partner of the Month: Linda Weston
SVP Portland brings together professionals and organizations in partnership to address community challenges. Our Partners are leaders in their fields (strategy, marketing, IT, finance HR). One such Partner who brings her remarkable expertise to the Partnership is Linda Weston. We are proud to recognize Linda as April’s Partner of the Month! Linda is receiving the Joan Austin Lifetime Achievement Award at Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence 2020. This is a wonderful example of the transformative impact many SVP Partners make in our community! Linda joined SVP in 2017, when she brought her expertise directly to our Board. In addition, Linda has been engaged with our internal development and marketing teams, working to strengthen our messaging and recruit new Partners from her excellent local network. Currently, Linda is helping Community Partner Latino Network with succession planning.
Linda has more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, professional sports, and tourism. Most recently, Linda served as the President and Executive Director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network, which provides education, support, and access to capital for early-stage, high-growth companies.
AN INTERVIEW WITH LINDA:
Why did you join SVP?
I joined SVP because of the focus on equal access to quality preschool. All children deserve the opportunity for quality, culturally relevant learning experiences, so that they’re ready for kindergarten and first grade.
How does capacity building address community problems?
When we can assist a nonprofit with building their capacity, we help them to free up other resources for their programs.
What are the benefits of being a Partner?
The biggest benefit for me, is that it feels good to help. I’ve always been motivated by doing something to somehow make a difference.
What has been most rewarding thus far?
Most rewarding for me, over and above working with the great SVP team and Partners, is that opportunity to make a difference.