Membership

Honoree

Kennedy Ames

She/Her | Portland Community Initiatives
Company: Senior Program Director
Moved Here from: Lacey, WA on February 2024
Why did you move here?

In 2024, I moved to Portland from Washington because I felt called to contribute to building generational wealth, stability, and long-term community resilience in this region. I had been studying Oregon’s homelessness statistics, the Preference Policy, and the ongoing need for trauma-informed, affordable housing solutions—especially within the Black community. Relocating to Oregon allowed me to position myself closer to the work I care deeply about and to be part of a community where my skills and passion for equity, housing access, and systems change can have meaningful impact.

What is one thing that you need/want from a community right now?

Right now, I’m looking for genuine connections with community members and professionals who are actively working toward equity, belonging, and housing justice. I value mentorship, collaboration, and shared learning—spaces where we can exchange ideas, uplift one another, and collectively strengthen the resources available to communities most affected by systemic barrier

What kind of civic connection are you interested in making?

I’m interested in connecting with leaders, advocates, and organizations rooted in housing stability, community development, public policy, and culturally specific support services. I want to build relationships that foster cooperative problem-solving, expand trauma-free housing initiatives, and amplify the wellbeing of Black Oregonians. I’m also seeking connections that open doors for collaborative projects, policy engagement, and long-term systems transformation in Portland.