Amandeep Sohi

Raised in Oregon City, Amandeep has called the Portland-metro region home for most of their life. They are passionate about building bridges between marginalized communities, community-based organizations, and government agencies. In their role as a community engagement coordinator at the nonprofit organization Verde, Amandeep is grateful for the opportunity to do just that: build relationships and connections, all while creating more equitable spaces. Prior to joining Verde in 2022, Amandeep held positions at the regional government agency Metro and at youth-led non-profit organization Momentum Alliance.

Ira Cuello-Martinez

Ira is the Policy Advocacy Director at PCUN, Oregon's Farmworker Union based out of Woodburn, OR. He has experience in electoral campaigns, policy advocacy, community organizing, and coalition management. He played a crucial role in the passage of Oregon’s farmworker overtime law and the strongest heat and smoke worker protections in the country.

Ira believes in a world where everyone gets to live their lives with dignity, respect, love, and joy. In his spare time, he enjoys soccer, jaripeos, music, and spending time with his friends and family.

​Jimmy Balderas

Jimmy Balderas is a program consultant and equity-focused leader with extensive experience in energy efficiency, affordable housing, and community development. He has managed multimillion-dollar budgets, coordinated diverse stakeholders, and led programs funded through the Portland Clean Energy Fund, the Energy Trust of Oregon, and the Department of Energy, delivering sustainable solutions to underserved communities. Jimmy brings a strong commitment to advancing green infrastructure, economic justice, and equitable access to green jobs that uplift frontline communities.

Jimmy’s foundation in advocacy was shaped by his years as a union organizer and shop steward, where he led campaigns to improve workplace equity, trained emerging leaders, and helped pass pro-worker policies. His organizing background informs his approach to community empowerment, policy navigation, and coalition-building, ensuring programs are not only effective but also people-centered and inclusive.

Joanne Shepard

Joanne Shepard is an educator and union organizer, currently working for the Oregon Education Association. She's held various roles in education for the past 10 years. In her free time she enjoys connecting with her local community and exploring the beautiful PNW.