YNPN Portland Board of Advisors
The board plays an integral role in continuing YNPN Portland’s success, including governance and oversight, best practices for marketing and programming, strategic planning for the group’s priorities, and a focus on meaningful sustainability to carry the group into the future.
Kaleema A. Kerbs | Board Chair| She/Her(s)
United Way of the Columbia-Willamette | Corporate Relations Executive
Hometown: Portland, OR
Proud owner of three Health Science degrees | Epic fantasy writer and reader | Moderate sports enthusiast
What I love about Portland: "It is a densely-packed melting pot of out-of-towners, recent transplantees, and hidden native Portlanders. You'll never know who you'll meet! Locale-wise we are so amazingly close to beaches and the coast, mountains and hiking trails, plains and the desert - so we never run out of things to do year-round!"
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "YNPN is a tremendous organization that allows individuals to foster longstanding relationships, both personally and professionally, with like-minded nonprofit people. The ripples of partnership, networking and connection, will always be a boon to your social network and to your work portfolio."
And did I mention...? "My fiancé and I have tried, at least five times, to beat the Halo: Masterchief Collection on Legendary. Tips would be helpful. Also, how am I supposed to live now that Telltale Games is no more?"
Ali Benson | Board Vice Chair | She/Her(s)
SecureWorld | Program Director
Hometown: Orange, CA
Aspiring Polyglot | Podcast Lover | Vegetarian Recipe Tester
What I love about Portland: “I love Portland's small, distinct neighborhoods. Moving to a new part of town can feel like moving to a new city sometimes. I also appreciate being only a few hours away from mountains, desert, coastline, forests, farmlands, waterfalls, and wine country.”
Why I'm involved with YNPN Portland: "Many emerging nonprofit professionals don't get the formal training or professional development opportunities they need to be successful in their roles or to grow professionally. By failing to cultivate a thoughtful culture of leadership development, we are not only failing people on an individual level, but we are failing the sector as a whole and the people we serve. Organizations like YNPN contribute to the strength and vibrancy of our sector's future leaders, and that's an inspiring and important call to action for me."
And did I mention…?: “I take great pride in cultivating a repository of random and often useless facts."
Amy Frey | Treasurer | She/Her(s)
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Oregon and SW Washington | Accounting Manager
Hometown: Oceanside, CA
St. Johns Ambassador | Perpetual Volunteer | Zombie Fan
What I love about Portland: “We have such a vibrant nonprofit sector, working to tackle all sorts of issues. There's so much great work being done and so many opportunities to volunteer, get engaged and get informed! Plus, our movie theaters have beer and pizza.”
Why I’m involved in YNPN Portland: “Because I believe the social sector is the area where my generation can best make inroads through collaboration, innovation, and inclusion, even before we’re handed the reigns of the public and private sectors.”
And Did I Mention…?: “I ran for Portland Mayor a few years ago because a website was having a sale on vinyl signs.”
Katrina Doughty | Community Engagement Officer | She/Her(s)
211info | Maternal and Child Health Coordinator
Hometown: Occidental, California
Travel/Hiking Enthusiast | Reproductive Justice Advocate | Eternal Volunteer
What I love about Portland: "I love that this city has so much potential; there is a difficult and less than equitable history here, but a determination to improve, grow and learn. I also enjoy that nature is so close and integrated throughout the city."
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "I enjoy connecting and collaborating with other people who are passionate about social and reproductive justice. I appreciate learning from/with others in this field, with the goal of improvement and progress. I look forward to being able to expand my knowledge about the range of careers and goals in the nonprofit sector through working on exciting projects with a wide range of people/colleagues.”
And did I mention...? "The best way in to my heart is with anything teal, dark chocolate (with sea salt) or info on the best place to get good tacos."
Allison Julander | Marketing Committee Chair | She/Her(s)
Cambia Health Solutions | Digital Product Marketing Analyst
Hometown: Bakersfield, California
Book Hoarder | Pun Devotee | Nostalgic Analog Photographer
What I love about Portland: "I love the proximity to rivers, forests, mountains, and the coast, in addition to the proximity to so many lovely people!"
Why I’m involved in YNPN Portland: "We are a community of likeminded nonprofit folks learning and being challenged and growing together. I want to help spread the word about what we are doing and ensure that all young nonprofit professionals in the area are aware of this supportive, inclusive, safe community."
And did I mention…? "I love to read, but if you ask my fiance he will laugh because I am always complaining about how sad the book I'm reading is! I don't know why I do this to myself but I have a tendency to choose the most heartwrenching books. If you want to see the latest one, please connect with me on Goodreads!"
Kevin Le | Programming Committee Co-Chair | He/His
ThinkShout | Office & Events Coordinator
Hometown: Cupertino, California
Nature Paparazzi | Obsessive Food Eater | Lazy Gym Goer
What I love about Portland: "Portland has the three main things that keep me happy: close access to hiking trails, drizzly weather for soup season 7 months of the year, and tons of restaurants to keep trying out."
Why I’m involved in YNPN Portland: "I am excited to help plan events that will help young professionals develop professional skills and network with like-minded professionals in their field."
And did I mention…? "In my current geriatric age, I recall fond memories of summitting Mt Kilimanjaro at the peak of my prime....when I was 24."
Gina Sander | Programming Committee Co-Chair | She/Her(s)
Think Real Estate | Executive Assistant
Hometown: Portland, OR
Craft Queen | Musical Lover
What I love about Portland: "Portland is mix of some of my favorite things, great food, great art, and the great outdoors. I feel so lucky to live in a vibrant city within driving distance of lakes, oceans, mountains, and incredible forests."
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "I am thrilled to support an organization that provides an inclusive space for young professionals to collaborate, innovate, and grow. Non-profit work is the backbone of our community and the employees and volunteers of those organizations are vital to their success. By supporting YNPN and its members, I know that I am supporting a community that will strengthen our city and its values."
Alex | At-Large Board Member | She/Her(s)
Hometown: West Des Moines, IA
World Traveler | Urban Gardener | Political Junkie
What I love about Portland: "Bike amenities and vegetarian food!"
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "I want to help local nonprofit professionals grow in their careers and apply their talents to improving our community."
And did I mention...? "I first came to Portland at the start of a 4290-mile solo bicycle ride across the country."
Briana | At-Large Board Member | She/Her(s)/They/Them
Bark Out | Development Director
Hometown: Corona, CA
Environmental Justice Advocate | Proud Cat Mom | Roller Skater Extraordinaire
What I love about Portland: "I've always felt a bit like Goldilocks, forever trying to find THE perfect place to call home. I grew tired of the city and suburbs I grew up in, and spent the majority of my adult life hiding away in the redwood forests longing for the delicious food cities offer... Portland is my perfect chair, not too big, not to small. With beautiful landscapes close within reach, bike paths for me to commute freely, and a community of gifted professionals, artisans, and weirdos - it's a real treat!"
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "Nonprofit professionals often "fall-into" this work, meaning that many of us are not professionally educated or groomed to be the best nonprofit professionals we can be. We wing it, and we excel due to our backgrounds, education, skills, and passion for the issue(s). YNPN creates a space to share resources, develop our skills, and network with all the wonderfully unique nonprofits in Portland."
And did I mention...? "I have a special Instagram where I feature all my favorite corn dogs in Portland."
Jennifer Justus| At-Large Board Member | She/Her(s)
The Pathfinder Network | Human Resources Manager
Hometown: Fort Collins, CO
What I love about Portland: "I love being able to go on a bicycle ride to the gorge, walk to foodcarts, and watch a movie at a locally-owned theater all in the same day, and have an amazing community to enjoy it with."
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland:"I love building and being part of community. Being new to the nonprofit sector, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found others who share a belief in the ability of others to change and to grow. YNPN is a place where I feel like I can give as much as I learn, and to build new personal and professional friendships."
And did I mention...? "I have a black belt in taekwondo, and I am a teacher for women’s self-defense classes. I love being able to pass along some amazing skills and empower others!"
Kaitlin Nam | At-Large Board Member | She/Her(s)
Willamette Valley Development Officers (WVDO) | Membership Development Manager
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
What I love about Portland: "Portland summers are pretty incredible--long, sunny days with very little humidity. There's always something to do, and the nature within the city and surrounding it is amazing. Also, the food is delicious and there are so many options."
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "I believe in the power of community. Sharing resources, knowledge, and leaning on each other for support, guidance, and solidarity are how we can build momentum for meaningful change, especially at the local level. YNPN seems to be a great place to channel my values of community and contribute to the Portland and nonprofit community."
Louisa Mariki | At-Large Board Member | She/Her(s)
Oregon Humanities | Program Coordinator
Hometown: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Live Music Connoisseur | British Panel Show Appreciator| One-Pot Meal DevoteeWhat I love about Portland: "The intentionality around conscious community building and It's the perfect sized city to walk everywhere...mostly. Delicious food & drink, a penchant for the arts, and a backdrop that makes everything 10 times better during the fall & winter."
Why I'm involved in YNPN Portland: "Because it's human-centered. YNPN's dedication to collaborative development through creating and nurturing relationships provides a great resource for non-profit professionals at any level of their career. It offers a great framework to build long-lasting and equitable systems that can support us across the spectrum of social sector work we are involved in."