Fatou Outtara
Head Chef and owner, Akadi PDX
Born and raised in Ivory Coast, Fatou Ouattara is the head chef and owner of Akadi West African Cuisine. As an African immigrant, she came to Portland with one goal — turn her “dreams into plans. Nothing less.”
While pursuing her business administration degree at Portland State University and juggling now useful but once unappreciated “finance and accounting classes”, she followed her passion for cooking and kicked off her catering business out of her dorm. You read right, HER DORM!
Upon graduation, Fatou opened the “Africk Cuisine” food cart in downtown Portland. With a growing demand from her devoted customers and constant sold out dishes, Fatou opened her first brick and mortar restaurant, Akadi West African Cuisine.
Her restaurant brings together communities from around the world and creates new opportunities for women starting their careers in the food industry.
Fatou is Here to Stay!
Kerry Clark Speake
Creative Director
“No one else in my world did this before me that I knew personally. So I created my own path one step at a time. I made a lot of mistakes but more importantly I grew, I evolved, I challenged myself and met people I never would have known had I followed my fear.”
Kerry Clark Speake is a creative director that followed her passion for art and design to lead a career in global companies such as @adidas@levis and @ralphlauren. Inspired by creative women like Anna Sui and Donna Karan, Kerry pursued a career in design, "after seeing women playing a leading role not a supporting role.”
Kerry is the co-founder of @the_commons_us, an online destination for American made goods for the home. The Commons has partnered with STARworks, a non-profit organization with the mission of economic growth through art and craft.
She is committed to opening doors for more women and creating opportunities for all.
Kerry is Here to Stay!
Jazmin Chiles
Cosmetologist + Owner, Inspired by Beauty Salon and Spa
Jazmin Chiles reminds us to never underestimate the power of our childhood dream.Since kindergarten, she’s had a dream to uplift the beauty in all women as a hairdresser.
At 25 years old, she’s now the founder and owner of Inspired by Beauty Hair Salon and Spa, a stunning and luxurious salon and spa that is true goals for your perfect self-care day.
Her salon has provided opportunities for more women to jumpstart their careers in cosmetology and build their own businesses. “It’s important to build seats for other women because the stronger you stand for something together the more impact you can have on the world.” Jazmin is Here to Stay!
Tracie Wong
Plant Consultant + Owner, Little Roots PDX
Tracie Wong is everyone’s favorite plant whisperer, that turned her passion into one of Oregon’s favorite plant boutiques.
With over 10 years of experience, Tracie has made her mark in Portland by enhancing the beauty of homes and spaces with green living.
As the founder and owner of Little Roots PDX, she not only sells plants in her store but hosts workshops that bring people together and encourage community.
Tracie is Here to Stay!
Ramonita Smith
Purpose Marketing, Nike
“Playing sports opened a lot of doors for me. It paid for my education, allowed me to travel the world, and eventually landed me in my career. Sport saved my life.
A brand manager in Purpose Marketing at Nike, Ramonita Smith uses her passion for sport and corporate platform to make a meaningful impact in diverse communities.
As a first generation college graduate from Georgetown and an avid believer in building community, she aims to create space for more women to have a seat at the table and ensure their voices are heard.
Ramonita is Here to Stay.
Faith J. Wilson
A South Central Los Angeles native, Faith J. Wilson has a passion and commitment to fostering healthy and functional relationships. This passion is at the core of the reason why she built @wokepdx. Her organization believes in and instills a team approach to discussing culturally sensitive and controversial topics centered around race and common misconceptions about each others communities.
In addition to her community work with WO:KE PDX, Faith coordinates the Summer Equity Research program for Oregon Health and Science University, through the Center for Diversity & Inclusion. This program gives underrepresented, undergraduate students an opportunity to work in research.
As a transplant to Oregon — Faith believes this journey has “afforded her the opportunity to recognize the need for inclusivity amongst all.”
Faith is Here to Stay!
Tia B. Coachman
Director of People Operations for @247ls
“I am no stranger at the intersection of blackness, feminism, queerness, and motherhood. It’s all a part of who I am.” Tia B. Coachman is a connector of people and resources -- currently leading as the Director of People Operations for @247ls. Tia followed her passion for people by building her career in companies and organizations including @wiedenkennedy, the Federal Government and the District of Columbia Government.
As a graduate of Howard University and a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Tia continues her commitment to public service by holding roles on boards and committees of the Black United Fund, Jack and Jill of America, the Portland Workforce Alliance, and more.
Tia’s work is rooted in her desire to progress the lives of African-Americans and women.
Tia is Here to Stay!
H Jackson
“If there weren’t spaces for me to be comfortable, if there weren’t people that were comfortable in their own skin, I probably would’ve never been able to be myself.” H Jackson is a self-made entrepreneur, community server and owner of Jackson Shine Co.
For the past two years, H has worked alongside their father at their shoe shine company operated out of the Portland International Airport. H’s outstanding business has been recognized by the Oregonian, Port of Portland and the PDX People campaign.
Living by the mantra, “I am not who I am going to be. I am always becoming.” H proves their belief in this, as they currently pursue their graduate degree through the Willamette University Business School.
H is devoted to creating and defining their own path, with a hope that it will inspire others to do the same.
H is Here to Stay!
Chabre Vickers
Community Development Officer, Wells Fargo & Company
"This Black Women's Equal Pay Day - let me serve a reminder: 'the brilliance, depth, wisdom and expertise I bring to the table is NOT for free. Neither is it from my daughter, my niece, my mother, my aunt or my sister." Chabre Vickers ( @othoseyes ) is the Community Development Officer for Wells Fargo & Company in Oregon and S.W. Washington. She leads the company’s community development initiatives and Community Reinvestment Act supporting low and moderate income communities.
Announced as “one of Portland’s super-connectors” by Portland Monthly Magazine, Chabre’s passion for community is demonstrated by her advocacy for many community organizations.
Chabre has served as the Chair of the City of Portland Human Rights Commission and formerly led as a Community Relations Manager for Portland Community College Southeast Campus, and as Vice President of Brand Experience and Director of Community Relations & Diversity Programs at Big Brother Big Sisters of Columbia Northwest.
It’s without a doubt, Chabre examplifies her commitment to the community through her professional career and endless service.
Chabre is Here to Stay!
Domonique Debnam
Senior Product Line Manager for Jordan Kids Footwear at Nike
“When you pay a black Woman equally you make one small step in building an equitable America.” Domonique Debnam is a Portland native with a passion for community, education, and culture. Currently, as a Senior Product Line Manager for Jordan Kids Footwear at Nike, Domonique manages a portfolio of products from concept brief to conceptualization.
Domonique holds an Executive MBA from the University of Oregon, and a B.S. in Marketing and Advertising from Portland State University. She serves on the University of Oregon Black Alumni Association Board of Directors and was recently elected to into the Portland leadership council for the United Negro College Fund.
With a 10-year career in the consumer-packaged goods industry, Domonique’s product and merchandising experience spans within many of the key brands in the athletic footwear industry including Nike, New Balance, and adidas.
Through her experience in the sportswear industry, academia and endless efforts in philanthropy -- Domonique is a recognized leader in our community.
Domonique is Here to Stay!
Crystal Jackson
Director of Human Resources at Meyer Memorial Trust
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This quote, Crystal Jackson’s personal favorite by Maya Angelou, not only guides her journey but she embodies it in all of her efforts.
As a graduate of Portland State University, Crystal cultivated a 28 year career in Human Resources, within the philanthropic and private business sectors.
Crystal currently serves as the Director of Human Resources at Meyer Memorial Trust - a foundation committed to working with and investing in organizations, communities, ideas and efforts that contribute to a flourishing and equitable Oregon. She’s an active supporter of various non-profits such as REAP - a multicultural youth leadership program committed to empowering the next wave of leaders.
With a heart for all, Crystal continues to champion a professional journey that invests in the future of all people.
Crystal is Here to Stay!
Buku
Music & Culture Associate Global Brand Manager, Apple x Beats by Dre
“I believe one of the biggest threats to minority communities is the lack of representation and exposure. Therefore, it’s so important for us to reach back and invest in our communities because you’ll never know who will see you as the personification of possibility.” Buku is a Nigerian-American brand architect from Los Angeles, California, who builds brands and tells meaningful stories through her faith-inspired passion, purpose and creativity. Working with some of the most creative multi-hyphenates of our generation, Buku helps leaders develop creative, disruptive and integrated marketing strategies.Her experience spans across different industries from Disney - ABC Television to adidas x Yeezy.
This year, Buku took a leap of faith by quitting her former role and moving back to her hometown, LA - to realign her purpose with her career journey. As a result, Buku discovered personal business ventures and landed a role as the new Music & Culture Associate Global Brand Manager at Apple x Beats by Dre.
Buku prides herself in building a longer table and not a taller fence for those around her. She is determined to be the personification of possibility and use her platform to remind others that they too can turn their passion into a life.
Buku is Here to Stay!
Joanie Wang
Director of Marketing at Expensify
“Sometimes it takes seeing something for the first time to realize it's possible for you, too. If we're used to seeing people who look like ourselves only in specific roles, then we might never dream bigger for ourselves.” A Boston native, Joanie Wang is passionate about discovering the psychology of what drives people to action. She currently leads brand building initiatives as a Director of Marketing at Expensify — an expense management app that does all the boring stuff for you so you can focus on achieving your dreams.
This year, Joanie led Expensify’s first nation-wide advertising campaign, You Weren’t Born to Do Expenses, during Super Bowl LIII. The campaign featured the world's first expensable commercial and music video, as well as an original track starring 2 Chainz and Adam Scott. She was named a 2018 Top Woman Leader in SaaS, as well as a 20 Under 40 Top Influencer in 2019 by the AICPA.
As a graduate of Tufts University, Joanie spends her time serving as a board member of local organizations including the New Leaders Council Portland Chapter, a 501c3 public charity dedicated to educating a new generation of leaders and to providing those leaders with the tools and leadership skills they need to succeed. She’s also a mentor at Emerging Leaders PDX, an organization dedicated to improving racial and cultural diversity at the leadership level in Portland-area companies, by providing pathways to leadership for traditional and non-traditional students of color and aspiring professionals.
Joanie is Here to Stay!
Jade Kendle
Founder, @LipsticknCurls
“I’ve beat the odds! I want other girls and women who look like me, especially, to know that there are no limits to what we can do and if your dream job doesn't exist - create it!” Jade Kendle, also known as @LipsticknCurls, is a Portland - based, Beauty & Lifestyle Influencer and founder of Life is Content. While pursuing her undergraduate degree in Development and Family Studies at the University of North Texas and master degree in Education Policy & Leadership - Higher Education at Southern Methodist University, Jade’s beauty tips and tutorials attracted an audience of over half a million followers and over 19 million views on Youtube. Jade’s passion for creating high quality content has garnered campaign partnerships with brands such as Herbal Essences, Covergirl, Carol’s Daughter, PopSugar, and a lead role in a Colgate Optic White TV commercial.
This year, Jade became a new mom and founded Life Is Content, a company providing educational and professional resources for creatives who want to kill it on social media! As a new mom, Jade uses her platform to share her journey through motherhood - showcasing the beautiful and not-so-pretty moments that come with it, too.
Jade's mission is to highlight the power of believing in yourself, defying the odds, and strutting through life to the beat of your own drum.
Jade is Here to Stay!