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
Sara Campos (They/Them) - Marketing & Communications Manager
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