Marcelo Bonta | Center for Diversity & the Environment
Marcelo Bonta is the Executive Director and Founder of the Center for Diversity & the Environment and the founder of Environmental Professionals of Color. A passionate leader dedicated to diversifying the environmental movement, Marcelo works with leaders and environmental institutions around the U.S. to help them diversify their outreach and operations. In the past he has worked on biodiversity conservation, land use and policy issues for numerous organizations including Defenders of Wildlife, the National Park Service, and Massachusetts Audubon Society. He serves Verde by contributing his expertise on conducting outreach to other environmental organizations to promote and encourage diversity.
Ron Carley | Coalition for a Livable Future
Ron Carley co-founded and has been involved with the Coalition for a Livable Future for over sixteen years –serving as board President for six years, as Co-Director for over four years and now as Executive Director. His experience growing up in a low-income family in Portland fuels much of Ron's passion for his work on issues of social justice, health, environment, and equity. Ron brings extensive experience in public policy, organizational development and grassroots organizing to Verde's Outreach Advisors. Ron is devoted to his family and you may often see them together exploring our region's natural areas, chasing birds or planting trees in a local neighborhood.
Karen Guillen-Chapman | Center for Diversity & the Environment
Karen Guillen-Chapman works for the City of Gresham as the Recycling Coordinator, where she is always on the lookout for ways to increase awareness in the community about resource conservation and recycling. A member of the Center for Environmental Diversity's Environmental Professionals of Color, she is committed to involving diverse communities in the environmental movement. Her experience in public service combined with her passion for connecting with communities makes her an asset to Verde's Outreach Advisors. Originally from Costa Rica, Karen hopes to return someday to share her knowledge of recycling systems with those in her home country.
Maria Gastelum | Board Liaison
Maria Gastelum is a resident of the Cully Neighborhood and has lived in Hacienda CDC housing since 1992. An active member of the community, Maria volunteers at her children's schools, participates in Vecinos en Alerta (a resident-lead group concerned with safety and other community issues), and is active in other community organizing work. A member of Hacienda's Micro Mercantes program, Maria is also known for her special chicken and vegetable tamales. She serves as the Board's point person on community outreach and education activities, and is a Board liaison to the Verde Outreach Advisors.
Brenda Reyes | Board Liaison
Brenda Reyes is a resident of the Cully Neighborhood where she owns and operates a convenience store with her husband. A former resident of Hacienda CDC housing, she remains engaged with the community through her work. As a community member and small business owner, Brenda's interests as a Board Member include economic development and Verde's financial operation, as well as youth welfare and engagement. Her insight into the community combined with her business experience makes her an asset to Verde's Board. Brenda is also a Board liaison to the Verde Outreach Advisors.
Carmen Rubio | Latino Network
Carmen Rubio is the Executive Director of the Latino Network, where she works to support achievements in education, leadership and community development among Latinos. In the past, Carmen has served as a Senior Policy Advisor to Portland Commissioner Nick Fish and as policy advisor to former Multnomah County Commissioner Serena Cruz and former Portland Mayor Tom Potter, where she worked as Community Outreach Director on civil rights issues and community engagement projects. As an Outreach Advisor for Verde, Carmen brings the experience and ability to facilitate partnerships between the public sector and community organizations, as well as insight into effective outreach strategies that engage multiple stakeholders.
Anna Sommo | El Programa Hispano
Anna Sommo grew up in a small town in Maine and has lived on the West Coast for the past six years. She enjoys working and playing outside with family and friends – especially gardening, biking and hiking. She also loves to play basketball and cook. Anna works as an after school coordinator with the SUN school at Fir Ridge Campus, the alternative high school in David Douglas School District, through El Programa Hispano. She is excited to be a part of the Verde Outreach Advisory Team!
Pedro Moreno is the Outreach Worker for Verde. Originally from the state of Guerrero in Mexico, Pedro has lived in the United States for over 20 years. He began working for Verde in 2006 as a Landscape Crew Member, driving trucks to various locations in Portland to perform landscape restoration work with the other workers of Verde. He now works in the community doing outreach around various environmental and equity issues.