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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 24, 2019)
April 24, 2019 Page 5 Running for PCC Board C ontinued froM f ront build that office’s SummerWorks program—a publicly funded paid internship program for diverse young adults ages 16-24—and has been overseeing that program in conjunction with Multnomah County and the subsequent may- ors offices ever since. As part of Mayor Adams’ edu- cation team, she helped develop a program called Future Connect, which provides a small schol- arship and support for post-sec- ondary students who identify as first-generation or low –income, currently housed at PCC. As a Supplier Diversity Offi- cer, Penson works with minori- ty, women, and emerging small businesses to connect them with contracting opportunities for the city, a skill set she said would be valuable as a board member at PCC, where she hopes to expand programs for those types of busi- nesses to help them grow. She also wants to use those business partnerships to help transition youth into high pay- ing trade jobs and for women re- turning to the workforce. Penson also expressed the desire to foster businesses’ investment to the col- lege, reckoning that it would be a simple way for them to invest in the replenishment of their work- force and bolster the program- ming at the same time. “If you invest, you see the fruits, and the fruits serve every- one,” she said. Penson has worked to under- stand some of the issues impact- ing PCC by attending a PCC board meeting and has taken oc- casional classes at PCC, though her alma maters include Con- cordia University and University of Oregon. She speaks once per quarter at PCC for a business ad- ministration class. Penson expressed much admi- ration for Oregon’s largest com- munity college, which started as an adult education program in 1961. She said schools like PCC, which offer a mix of academic programs, certifications, and train- ing in the trades is valuable for some of the most vulnerable pop- ulations in the community--like those who face economic, cultur- al, and learning challenges--who might not otherwise get a chance to receive further education. “PCC provides that opportuni- ty for them to go there, they have supports to make sure that they’re successful and I like that. And those are the things that I want to expand on because I think it’s crit- ically important to make sure you provide the necessary supports for students that have facing barriers to be successful,” Penson said. Expanding on the college’s wrap around services, like making sure students are fed and can af- ford transportation, was also listed as a high priority for Penson. In addition to her work at the city, Penson currently sits on the board of KairosPDX, a public charter grade school that is fo- cused on closing the achievement gap for African American stu- dents in north and northeast Port- land. She also sits on the board of Oregon Native American Cham- ber, the Architecture Foundation of Oregon, and Bound for a Cure. Penson has gotten the endorse- ments of Mayor Ted Wheeler, City Commissioner Amanda Fritz, former City Commission- er Dan Saltzman, former Mayors Sam Adams and Tom Potter--who she also worked for, State Sen. Lew Frederick, retired State Sen. Avel Gordly, and KairosPDX Ex- ecutive Director and current PCC Board Chair Kali Thorne Ladd, who would be Penson’s predeces- sor for the Zone 2 chair. Speaking as to what motivates her to run for the PCC Board, Penson said she feels an obliga- tion to serve others and get more young people enrolled in college, having come from an upbringing that provided her opportunities for success, such as being able to attend both private and public schools as a young African Amer- ican woman. ”I feel like it’s only important that I do what I can to make sure that others have that opportunity and access. And I love this place, I mean, I’ll die here. It’s not all per- fect, but it’s my home,” she said. Penson invites you to check out her website for more infor- mation about her background and goals for office at tiffanipenson- forpcc.com. She has drawn one opponent in the election, Port- land State University senior and former PCC student, Leonardo Kendall. Harris Photography 503-730-1156 Sweet 16 to 100th Event Coverage, Prints on site and Video antonioharris.com Funerals ~ Memorial Services ~ Cremation ~ Preplanning “Dedicated to providing excellent service and superior care of your loved one” Funeral Home staff available 24 hours 503-249-1788 5010 NE 9th Ave Portland, Or 97211 Phone: 503 284-2989 We specialize in a variety of cuts for men and women, hot towel razor shaves, braiding, hair extension, Shampoo, blow dryer and Platinum fade. Call Today or Walk in !!! Terry Family Funeral Home 2337 N Williams Ave, Portland, Or 97227 www.terryfamilyfuneralhome.com
