2023

SVP PORTLAND STAFF IS DELIGHTED TO SHARE OUR FOURTH ANNUAL SUPERSTAR AWARDS!

The goal is to recognize some of our Partners and Community Partners who played a part in our 2023 successes, and to have a bit of fun. These superlatives are not exhaustive, of course, as it truly takes the full Partnership to move our mission forward. Please help us congratulate this year’s recipients -- we couldn’t have done it without them!

David Smith

“YES, AND…” AWARD
“David brings a depth of experience and determination to all his SVP engagements. And in the spirit of his typical participation, three things that made David a superstar are 1) his positive attitude and willingness to say yes (when appropriate), 2) his business acumen and operational expertise, and 3) his collaborative approach. His work on the Teams he participates in is invaluable!” - LB Yockey Jones, SVP Finance & Operations Manager
Ursula Garcia

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
“Ursula eagerly rolled up her sleeves as soon as she became a Partner to contribute her unique and highly valuable Human Resources expertise. She advised our Community Partners–CAIRO and Community Action–and SVP Portland on HR strategy. Additionally, she’s been an exceptional champion for SVP and our Community Partners alike, making connections, sharing resources and showing up in support at events. Diving in with skills and a humble, collaborative approach, Ursula has been an exemplary new SVP Partner!” - Lauren Johnson, SVP Executive Director
Ashley Rollins & Erica Battles

ENTREPRENEURS OF THE YEAR
“Ashley and Erica have a very strong vision of what they want the Learning Train Academy to become. Both recognize where they have strengths and weaknesses and are willing to seek help where it may be needed. I appreciate that both are willing to take on risk even if they have not verbalized it.” - Ron Eiseman, SVP Partner
Jim Zuiches

MODEL BUSINESS MODELER
“Jim has been a fabulous coach who supported our work through the development and delivery of a business plan for Child Care Resource & Referral, a program of Community Action. He is a knowledgeable leader, who listens, leads with curiosity, and sees potential.” - Jessica Rosengreen, Community Action CCR&R Manager
Ruby Ramirez

EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVOCATE
“Ruby is an exceptional advocate for early childhood education in Oregon and shares in our goal of advancing racial equity. She has been an outstanding champion of the unique capacity-building roles SVP plays for both community-based organizations and systems change initiatives. We are grateful for her wisdom, influence, and steadfast partnership in working toward equitable access to preschool!” - Lauren Johnson, SVP Executive Director
Kelly Starkey

SVP SPIRIT AWARD
“Kelly’s willingness to take on various ad hoc marketing engagements for Community Partners, leading the Marketing & Development Team, and her eagerness to meet with potential new Investor Partners to educate and inspire them about SVP makes her an incredible advocate for our organization. Her impact on advancing SVP’s mission is truly immeasurable!” - Dylan Hall, SVP Relationship Manager
Melissa Slanetz

BEST COLLABORATOR
“It’s refreshing to encounter someone so open to collaboration and innovation in the philanthropic sector as Melissa. Her willingness to partner and leverage both SVP and BUF-OR’s resources to have a greater impact on BIPOC-led Early Childhood organizations is inspiring. It has been an exciting and smooth collaboration.” - Carolina Castañeda del Río, SVP Director of Community Impact
Elise Bouneff

BEST CONNECTOR
“We really appreciate how Elise (and Heritage Bank) is willing to help connect our Community Partners to financial services in a way that is accessible and streamlined. She is responsive, engaged with community needs, and is willing to create solutions for SVP’s Community Partners.” - Nicole Thibodeau, SVP Partner
Alisa Blum & Bala Cadambi

MOST EFFECTIVE TEAM
“Alisa and Bala make such a powerful team for our engagement with Preschool for All Washington County! They are both thoughtful and strategic leaders, with interest, experience, and connections in the community and political arena. I love witnessing how energized they are with this engagement.” - Carolina Castañeda del Río, SVP Director of Community Impact
Sims Brannon & Steve Fields

SVP AMBASSADORS
“If you’ve ever been to an SVP event, you have likely chatted with Steve and Sims. They are champions of SVP in every space they are in, and are engaging conversationalists who care deeply about our organization and the communities we serve.” - Elizabeth Aguilera, SVP Communications & Project Manager
PNC Foundation

COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD
“In addition to the support provided to SVP over the last three years, the list of local organizations that have benefited from PNC’s dedication to early childhood education is vast… From SMART, to Clackamas County Children’s Commission, All Hands Raised, and Latino Network, to name a few, the Portland community has undoubtedly benefited greatly from PNC’s presence in town, and we are proud to be a part of that. Thank you, PNC Foundation, for entrusting SVP as good stewards of your resources!” - Dylan Hall, SVP Relationship Manager
Bob Tate

VENTURE PHILANTHROPY CHAMPION
“Bob has a rare "matter of fact" generosity of spirit and seriousness of purpose in his dedication to the community and SVP Portland. He inspires me and is a role model of what citizen philanthropists should be.” - Larry Fox, SVP Partner

2022

SVP PORTLAND STAFF IS DELIGHTED TO SHARE OUR THIRD ANNUAL SUPERSTAR AWARDS!

The goal is to recognize some of our Partners and Community Partners who played a part in our 2022 successes, and to have a bit of fun. These superlatives are not exhaustive, of course, as it truly takes the full Partnership to move our mission forward. Please help us congratulate this year’s recipients -- we couldn’t have done it without them!

Katherine Fox

VENTURE PHILANTHROPY CHAMPION
“Katherine has demonstrated outstanding passion and leadership as an exceptional champion for the unique value of our engaged philanthropy model. She is a committed member of our Portfolio Team, first showing up with genuine curiosity to understand our capacity building resources and impact, and then helping the team make strategic decisions and further strengthen our partnerships. Additionally, she joined me in delivering public presentations on Venture Philanthropy in order to grow awareness of SVP Portland, and motivate more change-makers to join our partnership.” - Lauren Johnson
Threads of Justice Collective

EQUITY INNOVATORS
“The Threads of Justice Collective, an SVP Community Partner since 2019, saw some big changes and successes this year. The founding members passed on leadership to the next generation of passionate volunteers. This year also saw the successful launch of the new website that includes a marketplace for their justice and inclusion toolkits. These downloadable materials help educators with the six core social identity categories, including economic class, skin color/race, and gender.”- Darren Davidson
Ron Eiseman

AN ASSET TO OUR ASSETS
“A true partner in every sense of the word, whether working with the Finance Team, the Financial Partner Team, or with Community Partners including CAIRO, Latino Network, or Children’s Book Bank. Ron is always present, ever a mindful and thoughtful critical thinker, who is always open, listens, adapts and continuously contributes. Most of all, Ron’s sense of humor, humanity, and leadership are priceless. Thank you Ron!” - Nicole Thibodeau
Tobias Sherwood

EQUITY CHAMPION
“Tobias has been a patient and creative leader in SVP's equity journey. He leads with clarity and vulnerability, drawing folks into the conversation while holding them accountable. It's a powerful recipe for change and we've been lucky to collaborate alongside him!” - Leah Fox
Bridget Cooke

EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVOCATE
“As a member of the Washington County Preschool for all Steering Committee and as Executive Director of Adelante Mujeres, Bridget has been a leader in the community when it comes to early childhood education. She is passionate and steadfast in forging a path for universal preschool in Washington County, energizing those she works alongside!” - Elizabeth Aguilera
Brayam Sanchez

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
“Brayam is the best kind of at-the-ready. He's ready to learn about people and opportunities. He's ready to jump in and make a difference wherever he can. He's a guy you want on your team for all kinds of good morale!” - Mark Holloway
Bill Porter

SVP LEGACY AWARD
“I cannot think of a better leader, and guiding force, to successfully manage the Portfolio Management Team through the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Bill is a thoughtful, caring, articulate leader, who strives constantly to ensure an inclusive environment in which everyone’s voice can be heard. I believe I speak for all of the team members when I say how much we appreciate his strong leadership and his highly effective management and listening skills.” - Valerie Ilsley
Jerry Cohen

ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
“Jerry is a force of nature, and an incredible example of the spirit of volunteerism rooted so deeply in the character of SVP’s most dedicated and engaged Partners. He is currently working tirelessly on the Volunteers Initiative, with a vision of connecting retired volunteers with preschools to help fill the gaps needed to boost the capacity of educators. His entrepreneurial drive and out of the box thinking, combined with his joyous personality and vast network of friends and colleagues is truly inspiring!” - Dylan Hall
Erin Stevanus

SVP SPIRIT AWARD
“I worked closely with Erin from practically my first day as an SVP partner. She was a great role model to have as I learned the ropes. She brought a lot of energy to her role as the Lead Partner for CAIRO, and after she had to step back from that role she was still involved and willing to help the interim lead partner (me) whenever I asked for advice. Especially when we made our most recent re-investment proposal. Erin is a great example of what it means to be an SVP Partner!” - Rob Aslett

THE MOST FANTASTIC FACILITATORS

“Leah & Melinda exemplified strong teamwork as co-facilitators of our initial Dynamic Team. They both demonstrated deep listening, receptivity to innovative ideas and feedback, as well as a beautiful agility as adaptations were needed along the way. They also lived out our team’s intentions of showing respect, partnering across differences, ensuring diverse perspectives were heard, and creating a culture of belonging, all the while enabling the Team to accomplish what we set out to accomplish. Additionally, they brought levity, creativity, and joy to each meeting!” - Lauren Johnson

Melinda Gross & Leah Fox

MOST EFFECTIVE TEAM

“Darcie and Val are relentless...in all the good ways! They are individually insatiably curious and try to get all the facts but together they really get the job done! Their teamwork on investigating opportunities has not left a hot stone unturned!” - Mark Holloway

Darcie de Freitas & Valerie Ilsley

COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD

“This group that leads the Child Care Facilities Initiative models what it is to be a catalyst for the community. They are systems thinkers, and great at sharing a vision and people getting excited about it. Their research and work on mapping a very complex landscape so that we are able to identify the best places to intervene is impressive.” - Carolina Castañeda del Río

Rachel Langford, Doug Cooper, & Mark Holloway

2021

SVP PORTLAND STAFF IS EXCITED TO SHARE OUR SECOND ANNUAL YEARBOOK AWARDS!

The goal is to recognize Partners, Community Partners, and Encore Fellows who contributed to a successful 2021, and have a little fun along the way. Please help us congratulate this year’s recipients -- we couldn’t have done it without them!

This list is by no means exhaustive, as we appreciate each and every one of our Partners. Throughout 2021, more than 60 Partners were actively engaged in our work, and it truly takes the full Partnership to move our mission forward. Thank you -- all of you -- once again for making 2021 such a successful year.

Doug Cooper

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
“Doug has jumped into a couple different projects over the last year and made himself available for whatever could best tap his talents and meet his availability. Some didn't work out. Some changed at multiple steps along the way. With flexibility, skill, and grace, he adjusted and made some great contributions.” –Mark Holloway
Leah Fox

EQUITY CHAMPION
“Leah has been the "hands on pace setter" for the SVP Equity Team. Without missing a beat, she took the reins from me and has been driving the agenda for anti-racist learning and self action. She is a passionate inspiration for the Partnership! You. Go. Leah. ” –Bala Cadambi
Rob Aslett

SVP SPIRIT AWARD
“Rob has demonstrated exceptional dedication to SVP and our Community Partners, from human resource systems at CAIRO, to IT needs at AEME, and internal work on SVP’s governance model!. He steps up when needed, bringing invaluable wisdom, strategic clarity, incisive questions, and business acumen – all while being a terrific team player. He has served as an exceptional champion for SVP’s work, and his passion is contagious!” –Lauren Johnson
Chris Hart

SVP LEADERSHIP AWARD
“Chris is at once warm, affable, and sharp as a tack. A careful listener, Chris seems to intuitively know when it's best to practice leadership and when it's best to practice ‘followship.’ Whenever our Partner was unsure about the path forward, or we hit bumps we didn’t expect, Chris calmly laid out the next steps, bringing our focus back together. I don’t see how we could have taken the journey we did without her. A friendly colleague and a total pro, I’m really happy to hear Chris is being recognized as the superstar she is.” –Joel Newman
Charlie Gilkey

MOST LIKELY TO DISRUPT
“Charlie is a force of nature -- one that pushes us to be better, think smarter, and act with a heart for others. This is the approach needed to shake philanthropy to it's core and purpose: to break barriers, be inclusive and impactful. Kudos to Charlie on this well-deserved award!” –Paula Little
Holly Levow

GAME CHANGER
“Holly Levow is an incredible partner for Latino Network. Her consistent, insightful and sustained investment, thought partnership, and being an accomplice in securing justicia y salud for our community is truly ideal. Felicidades on a well earned recognition!” –Tony DeFalco
Kerry McClenahan

SVP LEGACY AWARD
“Kerry is a strong, caring, and generous soul. When we needed strength, she was a role model. When we needed hope, she fueled it. When the going got tough, she was Kerry.” –Larry Fox
Brooke Chilton-Timmons

EARLY CHILDHOOD ADVOCATE AWARD
“Brooke has been a consistent, committed part of Preschool for All from its earliest days. In the buildup to the election and since as the first employee of the new county department, she has maintained a clear focus on meeting families' needs--what they say they need!--as well as racial equity, excellence, and system integration.” –Mark Holloway

COMMUNITY BUILDER AWARD

“I don't know of any organization that has raised more than 75% of their first capital campaign in less than a year. Tony and Juan are smart, focused, and intrepid in getting to the goal of building Latino Network's first home, La Plaza Esperanza.” –Mark Holloway

Abdikadir Bashir, Abdi Muse, & Mark Chapman

MOST EFFECTIVE TEAM

“This team is attentive, responsive and has progressively adapted to the learning styles of the participants to provide a thoughtful learning environment. The team is genuine in their interest for us to learn, and are generous, empathetic , patient. and respectful.” –Nicole Thibodeau

Jodi Hummer, Dick Eaton, & Erica Penner

COMMUNITY VISION AWARD

“Bashir, Abdi, and Mark from CAIRO inspired me this year. At their Board of Directors retreat in October, Bashir and Abdi spoke eloquently and emotionally about the needs of their community and the vision for CAIRO. Together with Mark Chapman, they have worked tirelessly to eliminate obstacles and are transforming CAIRO into a powerful force for good. I am grateful to be able to be a part of that in some small way.” –Rob Aslett

Tony DeFalco & Juan Martinez

2020

REFLECTING BACK ON 2020 AND THE ENORMOUS SUPPORT PROVIDED BY PARTNERS DURING A VERY DIFFICULT TIME…

The staff of SVP Portland would like to kick off 2021 with our inaugural Superstar Awards! The goal is to recognize Partners who best helped us demonstrate remarkable resilience during a challenging 2020, and have a little fun along the way.

This list is by no means exhaustive, though our creativity with naming may be! Throughout 2020, nearly 60 Partners were actively engaged in our work, and it truly takes the full Partnership to move our mission forward. Thank you -- all of you -- once again for making 2020 such a successful year.

Please help us congratulate this year’s recipients -- we couldn’t have done it without them!