2025-359

As Mayor, I respectfully request Council confirmation of the following reappointment to the Prosper Portland Board:

Respectfully submitted,

Keith Wilson

Mayor
 

Serena Stoudamire Wesley Bio:

Serena Stoudamire Wesley is a first-generation Oregonian and long-standing community member recognized for her expertise in public service, community engagement, and strategic leadership. She currently serves as Assistant Director for the Oregon Department of Transportation, where she is known for advancing equity, fostering inclusive practices, and strengthening outcomes for communities across the state.

With more than two decades of executive leadership experience, Serena has built a distinguished career spanning government, nonprofit, and community-based organizations. Widely regarded as a proven change agent, she brings a demonstrated ability to design, implement, and sustain programs that deliver measurable impact. Her leadership is marked by a keen ability to align resources, drive organizational transformation, and cultivate cross-sector partnerships that advance community priorities and systemic change.

Serena previously served as Deputy Director and Chief Program Officer for the Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care, Chief Cultural Change Officer for the Oregon Department of Administrative Services, Director of The Youth Development Division and Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion for Governor Kate Brown, where she shaped statewide equity strategies and policy direction. Her earlier leadership roles include serving as Early Learning Project Manager for Multnomah County’s HUB initiative, Director of Community and Family Programs at Self Enhancement Inc., and Community Relations Officer for Legacy Emanuel Hospital in Portland.

Her service extends beyond her professional career through extensive civic and volunteer leadership. She has served on the Board of Trustees for Warner Pacific University, the Portland Children’s Levy Allocation Committee, and represented the Chief Education Office on both the Education Northwest Board of Directors and the Oregon Leadership Network Executive Committee.

Serena holds a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Administration from Concordia University. Throughout her career, she has been consistently recognized for her vision, passion, and ability to bridge communities—ensuring that equity and inclusion move beyond aspirations to become operationalized practices that drive meaningful outcomes.

Serena Stoudamire Wesley Statement of Interest:

“As a first generation Oregonian and having raised a family here, I have lived through the changes that have directly and indirectly impacted my family and community through the years, which accounts for my interest in continuing to serve on Prosper Portland’s Board.

I am very passionate and motivated about this place I call home and would like to continue to contribute to the revitalization and transformation of Portland. I feel that I offer a different perspective that brings forth my lived experience to the Prosper Portland Board.

“Economic growth without investment in human development is unsustainable – and unethical.”

-Amartya Sen

Our mission of economic and social equity along with creating jobs and closing the gaps of disparity continues to align with my interest in ensuring that all members of our community have equal and equitable access to the opportunities that will come with our city’s continued development and growth.

Thank you for this opportunity to share with you my interest in continuing to serve as a member of Prosper Portland’s Board.”