Meet Sumitra, Amanda, Mary & Carina

  • Apr 25, 2019
  • Jillian Schoene
  • Emerge Oregon
Friends,

There is an election coming up! You may have already received your voter pamphlet statement – and soon, you’ll be receiving your ballot!

Emerge women will be on many of those ballots, so it’s that time again to highlight our alumnae running to serve their communities.

Between now and Election Day, we’ll share with you a few of the candidates each week and why they are running.

Below is our third email in this series.

Sincerely,

 

Jillian Schoene
Executive Director

Sumitra Chhetri, Centennial School Board, Position 3

I am running because of the power of public education and the positive impact it can have on an individual, a community, and our state. Outer SE Portland and Gresham is my home and many of our immigrant and refugee families. Schools are an integral part of our community but learning and life success does not stop when the school bell rings. I have fought for resources for education, health care, accessible transportation options, and affordable housing at the local and state level – because these are the things that can impact a student arriving at school focused and ready to learn. I will bring this comprehensive, inclusive lens to the school board. Learn more here.

This is Sumitra’s first run for office – and she is unopposed.

 


Amanda Orozco-Beach, Gresham-Barlow School Board, Position 7

I am running because I see that Gresham is growing and new, young families are moving into our city. I recognize this diverse growth as an opportunity to build a stronger and more vibrant community. I will fight for student’s rights and needs by working with faculty, families, and staff to make sure they have the tools they need to better serve K-12 students. I recognize that Gresham has a wealth of potential and can be the envy of Oregon if local leaders come together and work hard for what is right, including having the best schools in the state. I will work tirelessly to make sure that Gresham-Barlow School District is a system that works for everyone. Learn more here.

This is Amanda’s first run for office – and she has one opponent. 


Mary Walston, Eugene 4J School Board, Position 7

I am running for re-election because I have the leadership, experience and vision to be an effective and productive member of the school board. I am student-focused and wish to continue the progress we have made in the past few years which includes reducing class sizes, enhancing CTE programs, implementing high school success programs, providing more comprehensive supports for our most vulnerable students, working with our legislators to create stable and secure funding for K-12 public education, and building new schools as a result of the successful bond campaign in 2018.   As a regular classroom volunteer, I see where our district excels and where have more work to do.  I want to do this work and make a difference for our kids, all of them. Learn more here.

Mary is running for re-election – and has one opponent.


Carina Miller, Jefferson County School District 509-J, Position 4

I am running because I care about the quality of education and the long-term role it plays in our community. My passion is working to expand the educational opportunities the district has that will prepare students for whatever they pursue and to support more programs that can provide students the social, emotional development and life skills they need. Learn more here.

This is Carina’s first run for school board – and she has two opponents. She has also served on the tribal council of the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs.