Programs
Say Hey!®
Say Hey! is the largest multi-cultural networking event in Oregon and southwest Washington. Each quarter, Partners in Diversity connects local businesses and community members with professionals of color who recently relocated to Oregon or southwest Washington. Recently relocated professionals of color (aka Honorees) are introduced during a special portion of the program.
We help build community, deepen connections and create an environment where everyone is welcomed. Employers can leverage this program as an extension to your onboarding experiences for new staff of color. A study on workforce retention commissioned by Partners in Diversity and released in 2020 showed that having a strong, supportive community is an important element in retaining professionals of color in Oregon and southwest Washington.
Say Hey! events take place every year in February, May, August and November. It is free and open to professionals of color and allies.
Become an Honoree
If you are a professional of color who recently moved to Oregon or southwest Washington in the last 18 months – or know someone – please consider becoming an Honoree by clicking on the "Become an Honoree" button below. Deadline to sign up to be this quarter’s Say Hey! Honoree is Friday, April 14, 2023.
Honorees will be introduced at Say Hey! during a special program and receive a welcome gift bag.
Meet some of the past Honorees.
Buddies and Volunteers Needed
Do you find it meaningful to make others feel welcomed and valued? If you attended Say Hey! before, please consider being a Buddy to our Honorees. This means being a friend to our honored guests and making sure they are comfortable and connected. If you’re interested in being a Say Hey! Buddy and need more information, contact us at sayhey@partnersindiversity.org.
Sponsorship opportunities
Sponsorship for this event is available only to Platinum members. Gold and Silver members can co-host with a Platinum member.
Businesses can also raise awareness of their services or products by providing an item to the Honoree goody bag. These items should be something of value or a ticket to an event. Flyers or brochures will not be accepted. For more information, email us at sayhey@partnersindiversity.org
Say Hey!® for Interns
This is an annual networking event focused on summer interns of color working at member organizations in Oregon and southwest Washington. Young people from all over the nation come to this region for summer internships. This program, offered early in the summer, helps jumpstart the networking experience while showing off the best of our region as a great place to work and live. The program features tabling opportunities for community groups and sponsors.
Say Hey! for Interns is open to current undergraduate college students, graduate students, fellows and residents who are working at Partners in Diversity member organizations. Intern program coordinators are also welcome.