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KairosPDX Gala Honors Tony Hopson Sr. KairosPDX will present the Annual 2025 Leadership Award to Tony Hopson Sr. at its Spread the Love Gala on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 6 pm. Renowned Chef Kiara Hardy of Kitchen Killa Culinary Solutions will provide food and drink for this night of celebration and local vocalist Alonzo Chadwick & Zoulfus Muzic will perform.   Tony Hopson Sr. is the founder and former CEO of Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), a nationally recognized youth development organization. A Portland native and graduate of Willamette University, he launched SEI in 1981 as a summer camp to support African- American teens facing gang violence and poverty. By 1989, SEI expanded into a year- round program offering academic and family support services. Under his leadership, the Tony Hopson Sr. Center for Self Enhancement opened in 1997 and now serves over 17,000 youth and families annually.   A passionate advocate for education and underserved youth, Tony has spoken at institutions like Harvard and Boston College and participated in Senate hearings on youth issues. He has received numerous awards, including the Urban League’s Equal Opportunity Award, Willamette University’s Living Legend Award, and the Oregon Ethics in Business Award. Tony remains active in the community, securing a $400 million gift from Phil Knight for the Black community and serving on several boards, including the Center for Black Excellence and the Ballmer Institute.   KairosPDX’s own BG Goldberg and Chandra Ramaswamy will receive Ambassador Service Awards for their dedication

Origins, Celebrations & Myths Washington players stand during the playing of the national anthem wearing warm-up jackets for Black History Month before an NCAA college basketball game against Arizona, Feb. 12, 2022, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer, File) (AP) Beginning Feb. 1, schools, museums and communities across the nation marked the start of Black History Month –- a celebration of Black history, culture and education. The history of the month dates back almost a century, and the way it is celebrated and evolved has created history in itself. Black History Month wasn’t always a monthlong celebration. In February 1926, historian and author Carter G. Woodson created Negro History Week. It was a weeklong celebration in an effort to teach people about African-American history and the contributions of Black people. This effort was made under the umbrella of an organization he founded in September 1915 called the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, or ASALH. “I think Black folks understood what they had contributed to America’s historical narrative, but no one was talking about it,” said Kaye Whitehead, the organization’s president. “No one was centralizing it until Dr. Carter G. Woodson was in 1926.” After he passed away in 1950, the members of the Omega Psi Phi fraternity, which Dr. Woodson was a member of, did a lot of groundwork to encourage celebrating the week. The fraternity was also responsible for the push to extend the celebrations to a full month. Eventually, in 1976, President Gerald Ford became the first president to issue a message recognizing the month. Since then, presidents have made annual proclamations for National Black History Month, a tradition that President Donald Trump plans to continue, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. The Association for the Study of African American Life and History releases a theme for each year, which is a practice Woodson started. This year’s theme is African Americans and Labor. The organization plans to use the month, and the rest of the year, focusing on the role of Black labor in building the nation through industry or community work. Black history is also celebrated within communities and families. Worth K. Hayes, an associate professor of history and Africana studies at Morehouse College, said some families may use the month to explore their genealogy, learn about their ancestors or come together to eat a meal and make family trees. “We may be more familiar with the more public ways, but there are also a lot more intimate ways in which these messages are spread and the way that the holiday is propagated,” Hayes said. At some schools, assemblies or gatherings are held to honor Black leaders, according to the nonpartisan organization the Center for Racial Justice in Education. “Some schools invite elders to share their wisdom and lived experiences, allowing young people to learn from them, ask questions, and build meaningful connections across generations,” the center said in an email to The Associated Press. “Additionally, some communities select specific topics or principles for in-depth exploration during the month.” Myths around Black History Month continue, Whitehead said, including the idea that the U.S. government purposely chose the shortest month of the year. In reality, Woodson chose February because two prominent figures in the civil rights movement — Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass — had birthdays in the week he chose. Whitehead also stresses that Black history shouldn’t just be taught for the month of February, but rather taught and celebrated for the entire year. Celebrities, including actor Morgan Freeman, have criticized it being just a monthlong celebration. But Hayes argued that the month isn’t just about celebrating African-American history, but Black history as a whole. “I think that there is this desire to make this point that African-American history or Black history is so integral to the American story, American history,” Hayes said. “But that reduces Black history to African-American history, and that’s not how it is and is celebrated from its origins to this day … So if you’re talking about Black History Month, you’re not only talking about Nat Turner, you’re also talking about Toussaint Louverture and the Haitian Revolution. You’re talking about many of the women and men who led the independence movements on the African continent.” Whitehead added that Black history is not just for Black people, it is for all people. “If you’re in an environment and everybody in the environment is white, you need Black History Month more than ever because you need to understand that the world, even though you like to believe it fits into this box, it does not,” Whitehead said. Black history doesn’t rely on a presidential proclamation, Whitehead and others said. Whitehead said Black people don’t need permission to mark the month. “It doesn’t happen because we’re waiting for a statement to be released. We proclaim it, We celebrate it, we uplift, we center it and we help people to understand that this is our history,” she said. At least one government agency has paused celebrations of cultural or historic events, including Black History Month. But at the Association for the Study of African American Life and History, the decisions of the new Trump administration around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives will not affect how Black History Month is celebrated. “Negro History Week started in 1926 without any proclamation from anyone other than the people,” said ASALH executive director Sylvia Cyrus. “The president of the United States has his views, and certainly we assume that he understands the contributions that African Americans and other people of color have made.” A White House spokesperson has said that they intend to celebrate the month. Some believe how Black history is taught could be affected by the new administration’s outlook on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion programs. The Center for Racial Justice in Education said educators may be more encouraged to teach Black history in their classrooms throughout the year. “Resistance takes many inspiring forms, and those dedicated to celebrating this essential history are employing creative and strategic approaches to share and further develop it,” the organization said in an email. Hayes agreed and said it could encourage others to teach communities about the contributions of Black people. “African Americans, Black folks throughout the world, just like all cultures throughout the world, have taken ownership of their history,” he said. “And these various political developments may shape the contours of it. But this story is going to be told regardless of the political dynamics of the particular time.”

Temporary Exhibit on Display Photo Courtesy of Clark County Historical Museum In honor of Black History Month, the Clark County Historical Museum (CCHM) is proud to announce a special, temporary exhibit on display at the Clark College Bookstore. The exhibit, titled "Foundations," is available throughout the month of February, and offers a sneak peek into the upcoming, larger celebration of the 80th anniversary of the NAACP Vancouver Branch 1139-B, which will open in April 2025. In partnership with the Vancouver NAACP and CCHM, the exhibit showcases the NAACP Vancouver Branch’s advocacy for racial justice, equality, and community empowerment since 1945. Through images and personal stories, visitors will explore the chapter’s early history, its impact during racial tension and war, and its lasting civil rights legacy. This preview offers a glimpse into Vancouver’s Black history and sets the stage for the full exhibit in April, celebrating 80 years of activism. The exhibit at the Clark College Bookstore will feature historic photos, documents, and a timeline of key moments, including the struggles faced by Black residents during World War II, the formation of the Vancouver NAACP branch, and its continued work toward social equity. The "Foundations" exhibit will be on display at the Clark College Bookstore, located at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA, from February 3 to 28, 2025 and is open to the public free of charge. The Clark County Historical Museum invites all community members to visit and explore this important preview throughout February.

Robot navigates tough terrain The robot resembling a dog with four turquoise and black hinged legs, black torso, and a dual-hinged accessory arm with yellow grips standing in front of a building with a US flag and Oregon flag behind it. (Photo Courtesy of Portland Police Bureau) On behalf of the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit, the Port of Portland Police Department and the Portland Police Bureau are introducing a new advanced robot that will be deployed this month.  The Agile Mobile Robot, model name "Spot," is a 4-legged robot manufactured by Boston Dynamics. The robot is assigned to the Metro Explosives Disposal Unit (MEDU), which is a team of law enforcement officers who respond to explosives-related incidents in the Portland metropolitan area. MEDU members are trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats. The Spot robot, as a quadruped, has the ability to navigate difficult terrain with little input. It can climb stairs, pick up items, open doors, and navigate obstacles with single commands. It is operated by remote control by a police officer. It is not operated by artificial intelligence, but has some limited collision avoidance technology.  Climbing a flight of stairs can be difficult for a traditional tracked robot, but Spot is able to traverse most stairs with very little delay. It does not replace any K9 units or robots that we have, but it gives emergency responders additional options.  This robot was purchased after conducting some scenario testing in the new Portland International Airport terminal prior to it being opened. The MEDU recognized we needed something that could navigate the complex airport environment both in terrain and communications, as well as other dangerous areas through the metro area where a potential explosive, hazardous material, or armed suspect is believed to be. It will be useful in any situation where a tracked robot can have difficulty with access, such as stairs, uneven terrain, airplanes, mass transit, and areas that have been damaged by natural or man-made disasters. It can carry tools to investigate suspicious items, monitor air quality, etc.  It can also be used to assist in critical incidents where it is unsafe for police officers to go (i.e. armed suspect, terrorism). It has cameras and microphones so it can scout locations and be a conduit for communications from a distance. It will not be used for patrol use and it is unarmed.  The Spot robot was purchased in November of 2024 for approximately $150,000 using grant funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency Urban Areas Security Initiative. It weighs about 75lbs, is about 2 1/2 feet tall and 4 feet long. It has an arm accessory that can be used to move objects or open doors.   It will be kept in a MEDU response vehicle for quick deployment as needed.

Embracing inclusive excellence as a guiding principle Dr. Adrien L. Bennings, President of Portland Community College As we celebrate Black History Month, I find myself reflecting on my journey as the president of Portland Community College, the largest post-secondary institution in Oregon. Being the first permanent Black female president in the college’s history is both a profound honor and a humbling responsibility. My tenure thus far has been marked by both challenges and triumphs that underscore the resilience and strength of our community and the importance of our mission: to support student success by delivering access to quality education while advancing economic development and promoting sustainability within a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion. A Legacy to Uphold and Evolve. When I assumed this role, I was keenly aware of the weight of history and the expectations tied to it. PCC has always served a diverse student population that reflects the rich cultural fabric of our state. For me, this legacy is a call to action—a mandate to deepen our impact, strengthen community connections, and ensure that every student who walks through our doors has the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. One of the most significant challenges we’ve faced is navigating the post-pandemic landscape. This global crisis disrupted lives and livelihoods, amplifying inequities in education and economic stability. At PCC, we have expanded online learning options to provide emergency financial assistance and bolstered mental health services. Our focus is to meet students where they are—physically, emotionally, and academically. Inclusive Excellence as Our North Star. At the heart of everything we do is our commitment to inclusive excellence. As a Black woman in leadership, I am acutely aware of the systemic barriers that persist in education and society. These barriers are not insurmountable, but addressing them requires intentionality, courage, and collaboration. Under my leadership, PCC has embraced inclusive excellence as a guiding principle, ensuring that equity and inclusion are embedded in every facet of our operations. We have launched comprehensive equity training for employees, restructured policies to foster a culture of belonging, and addressed systemic disparities and closed achievement gaps for underrepresented students. This work is a continuous journey, reaffirming our belief that inclusive excellence is not just an aspiration but a framework that informs every decision and drives meaningful outcomes. Triumphs Born of Collaboration. Our successes are a testament to the collective efforts of our faculty, staff, students, and community partners. Together, we have: Created new career pathways and partnerships with industries in high-demand fields. Adopted sustainability practices that further reduce our carbon footprint and enhance our role as stewards of the environment. Modernized facilities and invested in technologies that enhance learning and accessibility. Strengthened holistic student support to address basic needs, such as housing and food security. These accomplishments are not just milestones; they are building blocks for a more resilient, inclusive, and forward-thinking institution. Looking Ahead. As we chart the future, my vision for PCC is one of innovation, growth, and deeper community engagement. This includes advancing our strategic plan, which emphasizes student success, equity, and sustainability. We are also focusing on shared governance to ensure that all voices are heard and valued in our decision-making processes. Personally, I am committed to leveraging my platform to advocate for policies and initiatives that benefit not only PCC but the broader educational landscape. This means addressing funding inequities, supporting workforce development, and championing initiatives that dismantle systemic barriers to education. A Call to Action. Black History Month reminds us of the profound contributions of Black leaders, educators, and trailblazers who have shaped our nation. It also challenges us to consider the work that remains undone. For PCC, this means doubling down on our commitment to equity and inclusion, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to succeed. To the community we serve: I invite you to join us through partnerships, advocacy, or simply sharing your ideas; your involvement is essential to our collective success. Together, we can continue to make PCC a place where dreams take root, possibilities are limitless, and the future is brighter for all. Black History Month is not only a celebration of the past but a charge to shape the future. At PCC, we are doing just that and I am honored to be a part of this journey. One Together. Together One. Dr. Adrien L. Bennings, President of Portland Community College.

More than 20 films featured from 14 Countries “Sadrack” Photo courtesy of African Film Festival The Cascade Festival of African Films, the longest-running African film festival in the U.S., is celebrating its 35th anniversary at Portland Community College with a lineup of more than 20 films from 14 countries. The free and volunteer-run film festival raised its curtain at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 31, at the Hollywood Theatre and runs through March 1 at PCC's Cascade Campus in celebration of Black History Month. "As always, our popular programming remains free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for all," said Festival Director Eugenie Jolivett Fontana. "This festival is so loved by the community because it shows Africa through African lenses. It's the stories from African people and its diaspora that make this festival so unique."  She and Assistant Festival Director Brook Ramirez, along with the many volunteers who worked behind the scenes, were ready to welcome attendees to that year's celebration. The grand opening featured a live musical performance followed by the screening of Everybody Loves Touda  by Moroccan director Nabil Ayouch. This film explored themes of determination and dignity amidst societal barriers and concluded with an engaging Q&A session. Doors opened at 6 p.m., and seating was first come, first served.  This year's theme, "Legacy," emphasized the enduring cultural contributions and adversities of Africa through its art, photography, and storytelling, according to Jolivett Fontana. One highlight on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Hollywood Theatre was the showcase of Xalé (The Childhood Wounds), a film by acclaimed Senegalese director Moussa Sène Absa, who attended in person for an intimate Q&A. The festival honored Absa's artistry with a retrospective featuring two additional films from the guest director's repertoire. A scene from “Hajjan.” Photo courtesy of African Film Festival The festival offers something for everyone, including documentaries on Thursdays, such as Far from the Nile, which celebrates unity as 12 musicians travel through seven countries along the Nile River, using music to bridge borders. Families can enjoy the Family Film Fest & Activities on Saturday, Feb. 22, featuring a special coming-of-age film alongside kid-friendly activities. Women Filmmaker Week spotlights African women directors and their powerful storytelling. Additionally, a collaboration with the Multnomah County Library provides a CFAF-curated list of African films available through Kanopy. Marketplace Day, held from 2–6 p.m. on Saturday, March 1, invites attendees to explore African and Black-owned vendor booths featuring crafts, art, and more at the Moriarty Auditorium on the Cascade Campus. The festival also features an advance screening of "On Becoming a Guinea Fowl" by Zambian director Rungano Nyoni on Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Tomorrow Theater. The closing night on March 1 will feature "Under the Fig Trees" by Tunisian filmmaker Erige Sehiri.  During the festival, PCC is honoring the legacies of founding member Linda Elegant and long-time supporter Bob Holmström. "Their vision and dedication laid the foundation for CFAF's mission of education, inclusion and community that continues into its 35th year," Jolivett Fontana added.

Easing financial burdens for students pursuing careers in early childhood education Preschool For All photo Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) is pleased to announce a significant $160,000 scholarship grant from Multnomah County’s Preschool for All (PFA) initiative. This funding will ease financial burdens for students pursuing careers in early childhood education, helping them succeed in this crucial field. For the 2024-25 academic year, each scholarship recipient will receive funds to cover full-time tuition and books, valued at $7,758, making it the college’s largest scholarship. Although MHCC is recognized for being an affordable institution, many students still face financial challenges. Currently, four out of five MHCC students rely on public benefits to attend, and three out of five experience housing insecurity. The MHCC Foundation, supported by a community board, plays a critical role in securing funding for students. Impact on Students and Community: “These generous scholarship funds will be a tremendous support to our students as they pursue their early childhood education degrees or certificates,” said Yolanda Buenafe, MHCC Program Director. “Many of our students balance work and parenting responsibilities while attending evening and hybrid classes. This funding will significantly ease their financial burdens, enabling them to focus on developing the knowledge and skills necessary to become highly qualified educators, benefiting both our students and the families in our community.” Student Stories: Natacha, an early childhood education student, shared, "Without this funding, it would not have been possible for me to pay for these courses on my own.” For Maria, the scholarship is more than just financial aid; it’s a chance to fulfill a dream and provide a better future for her family. “I’m beyond grateful and excited to continue my education. With this scholarship, I feel hopeful for my future and that of my daughter. I want to be a role model and show her that we can overcome life’s obstacles.” Supporting Preschool for All’s Vision: This partnership is vital to the PFA initiative, which aims to provide free, culturally responsive, and inclusive preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County by 2030. The collaboration with MHCC helps PFA achieve its goal of creating a skilled, diverse workforce of early childhood educators who can ensure every child has access to quality education. “This scholarship supports our goal of building a passionate and skilled workforce of early childhood educators,” said Jennifer Boehmer, Executive Director of the MHCC Foundation. “This financial assistance and professional training will equip our future educators to become compassionate teachers and part of a broader movement to ensure all children in Multnomah County are ready for kindergarten.” A Call for Community Support: “We are deeply grateful for the support from PFA and other community partners who understand the needs of our students,” Boehmer added. “However, ongoing community support is essential to continue making a difference. When you contribute to MHCC, you're not just helping one student; you're investing in the future of our community, especially for the youngest generation.” About Preschool for All (PFA): Preschool for All, part of the Preschool and Early Learning Division of Multnomah County and Department of County Human Services, is a transformative initiative offering free, high-quality preschool education to children in Multnomah County. With over 2,200 funded preschool seats across 130+ locations, the program is on track to provide universal preschool access by 2030. Through partnerships like MHCC, PFA aims to ensure every child receives a strong foundation for lifelong learning. “MHCC awards over 1,700 degrees annually, directly contributing to the community's workforce,” said Boehmer. “This initiative helps reduce barriers to education while meeting the growing demand for qualified early childhood educators in Multnomah County.”

Condor recovery efforts are off to promising start at zoo’s wildlife conservation center Condor Egg  The first two California condor eggs of 2025 arrived at the Oregon Zoo’s Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation this week, and keepers hope to see a lot more over the coming months.   The first egg of the season arrived Jan. 26 to condors No. 492 and 432. This is the pair’s sixth year together, and they’ve successfully raised four chicks. The parents are taking turns incubating their newest egg, and if all goes well, it should hatch in mid-March.    “They are two of our ‘early birds,’” said Kelli Walker, the zoo’s senior condor keeper. “Egg-laying season runs for another couple of months, but they’ve had an egg in January for five years in a row now.”   The second egg arrived Jan. 27 to experienced condor mom Malibu (No. 43) and dad Maluk (No. 55).  Fourteen condor pairs are currently living at the conservation center, Walker added, and every parent has raised at least one chick before.   “Last year, we had a record number of hatches, and we’re looking forward to another successful season,” Walker said. “There are only about 560 California condors on the planet, so each egg is important.”   Once hatched, the chicks stay with their parents for at least eight months before moving to pre-release pens for about a year. Eventually, they travel to a wild release site to join free-flying condors in California and Arizona.   “The first condor to hatch at our conservation center turned 20 last year ,” Walker said. “He lives in Pinnacles National Park now, and it’s exciting to think some of this year’s chicks could be joining him there in a couple years.”   The California condor was one of the original animals included on the 1973 Endangered Species Act and is classified as critically endangered. In 1982, only 22 individuals remained in the wild and by 1987, the last condors were brought into human care in an attempt to save the species from extinction. Thanks to recovery programs like the Oregon Zoo’s, the world’s California condor population now totals around 560 birds, most of which are flying free.   The Oregon Zoo’s condor recovery efforts take place at the Jonsson Center for Wildlife Conservation, located in rural Clackamas County on Metro-owned open land. The remoteness of the facility minimizes the exposure of young condors to people, increasing the chances for captive-hatched birds to survive and breed in the wild.   More than 120 chicks have hatched at the Jonsson Center since 2003, and nearly 100 Oregon Zoo-reared birds have gone out to field pens for release. Several eggs laid by Oregon Zoo condors have been placed in wild nests to hatch.   As part of Metro, the Oregon Zoo helps make greater Portland a great place to call home. Committed to conservation, the zoo acts globally on behalf of species from pikas to polar bears. Over the past 30 years, it has prevented extinctions, expanded populations, advanced conservation science and formed powerful communities to protect wildlife in the Northwest and around the world.    Upgrades and new equipment at the Jonsson Center have been made possible through continued support from the Avangrid Foundation and donations to the Oregon Zoo Foundation, which supports the zoo’s efforts in advancing animal well-being, species recovery work and conservation education. To contribute, go to oregonzoo.org/give .  To plan your trip, go to oregonzoo.org/visit . For more information on getting to the zoo, visit Explore Washington Park .

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Jan. 31 will be the final day of operation   Photo courtesy of ODOT Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services  will permanently close the Mall 205 DMV office  at 9910 S.E. Washington St. in Portland. The office’s final day of operation is Jan. 31. The closure comes following several maintenance issues with the facility. “We have high standards for our offices, and the facilities must meet certain expectations for our customers and staff,” DMV Administrator Amy Joyce said. “As a tenant of Mall 205, we’ve had to consistently deal with facility issues. We’ve worked with the mall owners trying to address these concerns, but they continue. Our lease is up Feb. 28, so we made the difficult decision to close the office and find a more suitable location.” The Mall 205 DMV has been at that location since 2015 and is one of DMV’s busiest offices, serving nearly 95,000 customers in 2024. The office’s 18 employees have been reassigned to nearby DMV offices to balance customers’ needs. We are reconfiguring some existing offices to accommodate additional counters and staff. Additionally, the Sandy DMV at 37395 Highway 26 will return to operating five days a week beginning Feb. 18. The office has been operating three days a week since Feb. 27, 2024, due to staffing shortages. For a list of alternate DMV locations, visit oregondmv.com . You can walk into any DMV office, make an appointment at a nearby DMV location, take advantage of more than 20 online transactions at DMV2U , or visit one of our recently launched self-serve express kiosks  in nine select Fred Meyer stores statewide for vehicle registration renewals. DMV is committed to finding a new location and has been searching for months but anticipates it could be more than a year before a new office opens. The closure comes at a significant time for DMV and our customers, with the May 7 REAL ID  federal deadline approaching. Starting May 7, everyone 18 years and older will be required to present a REAL ID or a federally accepted alternative – like a passport, passport card or military ID – to board a flight within the U.S. or to access certain federal facilities. To get a REAL ID-compliant card you must visit a DMV office and bring original documents that prove your identity, date of birth, residence address and lawful status in the U.S. “As the REAL ID enforcement date gets closer, we know there's going to be a big rush at DMV offices, and we encourage people to get in sooner than later,” said Joyce. “Fortunately, the 2024 Legislature authorized DMV to hire 26 staff to work in field offices exclusively for REAL ID transactions. We’ve opened many more appointment slots throughout the state to accommodate customers’ needs before the deadline.” Information about all DMV office hours, locations, and temporary service impacts or closures related to staffing or weather can be viewed in real time online . DMV recommends always checking the website before visiting.

Being recognized for dedication to the community and leadership Winter Reception Alumni of the Year Mt. Hood Community College (MHCC) celebrated the achievements of three exceptional alumni—David Cress, Melonie Powell, and Ken Richardson—at the Alumni of the Year Awards ceremony. Recognized for their dedication to community and leadership, these individuals exemplify the transformative power of education and its impact on both personal and community growth. “These honorees embody the values of MHCC—resilience, leadership, and a commitment to positive change,” said Dr. Lisa Skari, president of MHCC. “Their stories are a powerful reminder of how education can unlock potential, inspire change, and strengthen our community.” David Cress, a Hollywood producer known for Portlandia and Montage of Heck, credited MHCC for giving him the real-world experience that shaped his career. “MHCC allowed me to work full-time while pursuing my degree, and that flexibility was essential to my success,” said Cress. A passionate advocate for Oregon’s growing film industry, he’s now dedicated to mentoring the next generation of filmmakers. MHCC alumna Melonie Powell, a public health leader, has dedicated her career to improving healthcare for underserved communities. “MHCC gave me the tools to build a better future,” said Powell, reflecting on the college’s support in overcoming personal challenges. Now a nurse and educator, Powell works to inspire and empower the next generation of healthcare professionals. Ken Richardson, superintendent of the David Douglas School District, was honored for his leadership in expanding educational access and equity. “Education is a lifestyle for me,” said Richardson, who credits MHCC for giving him the foundation to pursue a career dedicated to serving students and improving their futures.   MHCC continues to play a vital role in the local community, providing accessible education, mentorship, and a pathway for students to achieve their goals. “MHCC was integral in giving me the jump start I needed to succeed in higher education and beyond,” said Richardson. “It’s a place where you not only gain knowledge but build the connections and confidence to transform your future.”   The Alumni of the Year Awards reflect the college’s broader mission to support students in achieving their dreams. These honorees are proof that the educational opportunities at MHCC are not only life-changing but also ripple out to strengthen the entire community.

PeaceHealth’s Women of Peace movement donates $35,000 Brittini Lasseigne, chief executive officer of YWCA Clark County. YWCA Clark County has been selected by PeaceHealth as a recipient of a $35,000 grant. PeaceHealth’s Women of Peace movement, which recognizes women leaders and changemakers inside of PeaceHealth, is starting the new year honoring the courageous work of three women non-profit leaders partnering with PeaceHealth to advance health justice and respect for all. The Columbia network recipient is Brittini Lasseigne, chief executive officer of YWCA Clark County. YWCA of Clark County’s mission is to empower women and eliminate racism. The work led by Lasseigne serves individuals in Clark County who have experienced poverty, domestic violence, sexual assault, and traumas due to systemic inequities. The work of the YWCA goes beyond services to survivors to include robust prevention programs for children, teens, and adults to create understanding and resilience for future generations while improving racial equity in Clark County. Two additional organizations led by women in Oregon and Washington will also receive $35,000. Each of the recipient organizations are led by changemakers known for their fierce advocacy and efforts in the care of underserved and marginalized communities. “Brittini and the team at the YWCA of Clark County work every day to ensure any person who is impacted by domestic violence and sexual assault have the support and resources they need,” said Liz Clark, community health director, PeaceHealth Columbia network. “Their work goes beyond direct services to victims of crime to include prevention programs, teen and young adult programs, equity advocacy, and child care. YWCA is an amazing partner, collaboratively working with us, and many other community-based organizations to care for the Clark County community.” “We hope stories like Brittini Lasseigne’s will inspire our own Women of Peace to see the intertwined nature of our shared missions fueled by the charism of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace,” said Sarah Ness, PeaceHealth executive vice president and chief administrative officer. “It’s clear we can accomplish more together. It’s time to soar!”