This month we would like to highlight Ursula Arlauskas and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. Ursula has been on our Leadership Council for the past six years, serving as Chair from 2024-2025. Ursula has been an integral part of the Partners in Diversity team and her leadership and guidance has helped shape our successful programs and events. She has helped tremendously with bringing community together to connect and support one another, especially in sw Washington. We will miss Ursula dearly and appreciate all her leadership and hard work on our council and in our community. Thank you, Ursula! Read what she had to say about being part of the PiD community below!
Over the past six years, it has been an honor to serve on the Leadership Council for Partners in Diversity. During that time, I’ve had the opportunity to serve as Board Chair during a significant period of transition, including welcoming a new Executive Director, supporting a brand refresh and new website, and helping guide the organization through continued growth.
One of the highlights of my service was co-chairing the 2025 NW Equity Summit, which brought together more than 1,000 community members, leaders, and changemakers to celebrate the theme of Thriving Through Belonging. I’ve also enjoyed helping expand opportunities for connection by bringing Lunch & Learns and member networking events to Southwest Washington, creating additional spaces for members to learn, build relationships, and strengthen community.
What I am most grateful for are the people. Partners in Diversity has a small but mighty team that consistently brings together meaningful conversations, supportive Professional Resource Groups, and strong community partnerships that help advance belonging across Oregon and Southwest Washington. I have been fortunate to learn from and alongside leaders who continue to show up for this work every day.
I am incredibly grateful to the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington, a longtime member of Partners in Diversity, for supporting my board service and leadership journey. The Foundation’s values around equity, belonging, and building strong community connections are deeply aligned with the mission of Partners in Diversity. I would not have had these opportunities without the trust, encouragement, and support of our leadership team, who believed in my ability to lead and consistently made space for me to contribute beyond my day-to-day role.
It has been a wonderful journey of strengthening communities, building connections, and working alongside others who believe that when everyone has a sense of belonging, our entire region thrives.
Learn more about the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington.
