Meet Danielle Solomon, who supports a wide scope of duties in Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R’s) Recreation division! Danielle was born in Spokane, WA. and moved to Oregon as a young child.
Danielle started her career with the City of Portland in 1998 and began working at PP&R in 2008. She’s been an asset to several positions and responsibilities in her long career with PP&R.
In her own words:
“Too often people drift through life underachieving; not knowing what their purpose or passions are in life. Being a descendent of West African and Black Indigenous peoples, the past 14 years working for Portland Parks & Recreation (PP&R) has afforded me the opportunity to not only represent my culture, but to be part of history within this bureau as it moves towards implementing initiatives that continue bridging the gap between multiple cultures and communities. I enjoy being part of an organization that promotes environmental conservation, provides resources for the health and well-being of people, and supports social equality for all.
Building relationships is all part of creating positive systematic change. I enjoy working alongside local politicians, religious leaders, and community activists to advocate for Black and Indigenous student success and mentorship.
Some of my commitments include the opportunity to engage with local law enforcement and people doing street-level outreach. I help provide resources and options to gang activity. I engage with local non-profit agencies to provide members of our African American community and other traditionally under-represented populations with affordable access to PP&R’s fitness facilities and programs.
There is tremendous satisfaction in partnering with local partners and neighborhood groups to provide meals for at-risk youth in PP&R’s afterschool programs. I take pride in helping enhance the many communities we serve! And being a member of PP&R’s equity-oriented committees and teams allow me to work with a great group of champions who are a voice for equity in Portland Parks & Recreation.
As a proud mother of a 16-year-old student athlete, you will often find me in the gym supporting her basketball and volleyball endeavors – encouraging the Black excellence she is cultivating as a young woman of color.
I am very passionate about traveling. I enjoy learning about my own heritage and that of other cultures. My passion for cooking plays a big part in our travels because there is nothing like tasting the fresh food of the native land in which you visit. You might see me kayaking down a local river, hiking or simply enjoying the beach.
If I do have spare time, I am usually visiting with family, volunteering in the community, meditating, reading books or attending a sporting event.
There just isn’t enough time in a day!”
-Portland Parks & Recreation’s Danielle Solomon.
This series highlights our staff as part of the PP&R commemoration of Black History Month (February). You can read the full series at portland.gov/parks/news
Learn more about our Recreation team’s work and the huge number of programs you can take part in at portland.gov/parks/recreation
#BlackHistoryMonth
Want to join people like Danielle in the important work that we do at PP&R?
Portland Parks & Recreation is looking for more part-time and full-time staff, in many programs! If you or someone you know could be a great fit in our inclusive, welcoming environment with fantastic colleagues, flexible hours, and great pay, please visit Portland.gov/parks/employment.