Stephanie Gonzalez

Stephanie Gonzalez is well known for her ability to encourage, organize, and lead diverse groups of people toward a common goal. Her volunteer experience with over twenty organizations has uniquely prepared her to engage people who vary in age, profession, cultural backgrounds, as well as mental and physical ability. She has coached, trained, and advised numerous athletes, students, business professionals, and non-profit organizations.

Stephanie is trained in the “Technology of Participation” by The Institute of Cultural Affairs, an organization that offers insightful and innovative approaches to problem-solving that is inclusive of all voices and ideas. In June of 2009, she was one of twenty-two women nationwide that was selected to participate in the National Hispana Leadership Institute in Washington, D.C. NHLI’s “Latinas Learning to Lead” program provided training in effective communication and presentation skills, as well as other professional and leadership development relating to public policy issues.  She holds an Associate of Arts degree from Portland Community College and is double majoring in Economics and Public Policy. While in school, she has worked as a community outreach coordinator, information and referral specialist, and a mentor through the Oregon Leadership Institute.

Passionate about building community, Stephanie has dedicated much of her time to connecting people with resources. In doing so, she has provided individuals and families with food-boxes, clothes, housing, legal aid, counseling, and access to a higher education.

Stephanie is bicultural, with parents and siblings born in Guatemala and the United States. Although she is a Los Angeles native, she has grown to love living in Oregon. She enjoys spending time with her friends and family, especially her niece and nephews. She is always looking for a new adventure. Recently, those adventures included backpacking, summiting her first mountain, and riding her bike for twenty-two miles.