Organizational Resource Committees

 

Non-profit organizations often rely on the support of their communities to achieve their objectives. One way that UTOPIA PDX engages its communities is through our Organizational Resource Committees. These committees comprise Staff, Board of Director Members, and Community Members who are passionate about the organization's cause and want to help in any way they can. There are four committees that make up UTOPIA PDX’s Organization Resource Committees: Finance, Advocacy/Education, Development, and Community Organizing.

The Community Resource Committees thrive with the collaboration of staff, Board of Director Members, and Community Members. Staff members are responsible for the day-to-day operations of the organization, while the board of directors members provide governance and oversight. Community members are involved so they play a role in the decision-making of our organization by advocating for UTOPIA PDX's mission and providing support through their lived experience, knowledge sharing, storytelling, and volunteer work.

The Organizational Resource Committees are an essential part of UTOPIA PDX. They help to engage the community, manage finances, advocate for the organization's goals, and raise funds to support its work. By working together, these committees can help UTOPIA PDX achieve its objectives and positively impact the community.

fINANCE COMMITTEE

The Finance Committee is a crucial part of any non-profit organization, as it is responsible for managing its financial resources. Composed of staff, board of director members, and community members, this committee oversees the organization's budget, financial statements, and fiscal management.

  • Kāme‘o Kahawai (They/Them/’Oia) - Executive Director

  • Joseph Tufa (He/Him) - Director of Operations

  • Kealoha Hooper (He/Him) - Executive Member: Finance Chair

  • Bui Baravilala (Pronoun Friendly) - Board Member

Advocacy & Education

The Advocacy/Education Committee of a UTOPIA PDX is a crucial component for achieving the organization's mission and goals. The committee is made up of staff, board of director members, and community members who are passionate about advocating for and educating others about the organization's cause.

  • Kāme‘o Kahawai (They/Them/’Oia) - Executive Director

  • Bianca Blanco (She/Her) - Community Member & Operations Coordinator

  • Ethan Taupea (Pronoun Friendly) - Programs Coordinator

  • Tara Benavente (They/She) - Executive Member: Board Chair

  • Kealoha Hooper (He/Him) - Executive Member: Finance Chair

  • Esther Patterson (They/She) - Board Member

  • Kathryn Kanani Leonardi (She/Her)- Community Member

  • Kai Hang Cheang (They/He)- Community Member

Development

Like many non-profit organizations, UTOPIA PDX relies on a variety of sources of funding, including grants and fundraising, to carry out our work. The Development Committee is made up of two main priorities. The first is to develop and implement fundraising strategies to support the organization's mission. The second is to identify and solicit funding opportunities from various sources, including government agencies, private foundations, and corporations.

  • Kāme‘o Kahawai (They/Them/’Oia) - Executive Director

  • Jonita Cola (They/Them) - Executive Member: Vice Board Chair

  • Bui Baravilala (Pronoun Friendly) - Board Member

  • Esther Patterson (They/She) - Board Member

  • Kawika Maui Kalama (They/Them) - Board Member

  • Andrew Faalogo (He/Him) - Community Member

  • Kathryn Kanani Leonardi (She/Her)- Community Member

  • Kai Hang Cheang (They/He)- Community Member

Community Organizing

A Community Organizing Committee is a group of individuals who work together to promote change and improve the lives of people in their community. This committee is made up of staff members, Board of Directors members, and community members who are passionate about making a difference in their community.

  • Kāme‘o Kahawai (They/Them) - Executive Director

  • Kaina Barba (All Pronouns) - Director of Programs

  • Ethan Taupea (Pronoun Friendly) - Programs Coordinator

  • Tara Benavente (They/She) - Executive Member: Board Chair

  • Jonita Cola (They/Them) - Executive Member: Vice Board Chair

  • Andrew Faalogo (He/Him) - Community Member