Roberta is Neighborhood Partnership’s new Organizational Director. Roberta is excited to share with the NP community her years of experience as a facilitator, training as an advocate, and orientation as a policy wonk. After the pandemic, she joined Engage to Change (ETC) to support state agencies, local government, not-for-profit organizations, and private firms as they sought to put their intentions for an anti-racist world into practice. In partnership with other ETC facilitators, she guided those organizations, at all levels, through culture change and strategic planning, all the while prioritizing human-centered relationship-building. Her drive to help create a more just and equitable world is rooted in her cultural identity and indigeneity. Roberta believes strongly in connection and admittedly has matured into valuing that above all else.
For starters, tell us a little about yourself.
My family immigrated to NYC from Trinidad when I was 13 years old, and we lived under the radar without documentation for a few years. My dad’s employer sponsored my family, and we received documentation just in time for me to access financial aid to fund college. Because of that, I was able to be the first in my family to graduate from university.
I moved to Oregon in 2003 to attend Lewis & Clark Law School and settled here after graduating. I was moved to seek a law degree through my experience teaching high school science in Florida and noticing the connection between policy and my students’ in/ability to thrive in the classroom. After law school, I worked in the policy arena at the national and local level, focusing on underserved populations. After a stint in philanthropy, I focused my energy during the time of racial reckoning in 2020 on world-building with my friends at Engage to Change. Our work focused on operationalizing anti-racist practice within government agencies and private firms.
I haven’t and don’t always feel welcome here, but I am committed to helping this state live its values out loud. My children are native Oregonians, and I want to work every day to help create an Oregon where ALL folx will thrive.
What does opportunity mean to you?
To me, opportunity means freedom for everyone to choose their path. Right now, it is more common for folx to be relegated to the margins and shut out of opportunity. People simply don’t have easy access to what they need to pursue their dreams. I believe that we must remove barriers to economic prosperity, especially for communities who have been historically oppressed.
What difference can financial security make for individuals in communities?
Aside from the obvious benefits to the individual, I believe that financial security frees up energy and resources in communities. Financial stress takes a toll on the body, and that stress can be linked to chronic disease and overall wellness. When individuals are thriving, they are more available to their communities. I dream of a day when historically underserved communities are thriving because all their members are thriving too.
What are you looking forward to most about this position?
I’m looking forward to connecting with all the amazing people working tirelessly with Neighborhood Partnerships to advance equity in our state. I want to use my strengths and skills to support their good work.