Lunch and Learn - The Growth of Two Cities: Advancing Belonging & Community Outcomes in Portland and Vancouver

Description

As our region continues to grow and change, the question is not just how we grow but how we grow together. What does it take to ensure that progress strengthens opportunity, belonging, and community outcomes for everyone? 

In recognition of Diversity Awareness Month this April, Partners in Diversity in partnership with the City of Vancouver invites you to a Lunch & Learn panel exploring the growth, challenges, and opportunities shaping diverse our communities in Portland and Vancouver. As diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEI-B) strategies continue to evolve across sectors, this timely conversation will explore what is producing positive outcomes, where gaps remain, and how broader shifts in DEI efforts are impacting on communities. We will also explore what is needed to advance equity and belonging across both cities. 

Panelists will highlight organizations and individuals contributing to community progress, share relevant data and local insights, and discuss opportunities for collaboration to strengthen regional impact. Hear from local leaders driving meaningful change, discover existing initiatives you can support, and explore how each city can show up for the other as sister communities. 

Together, we’ll explore: 

• How current policies and the evolving DEI landscape are affecting each city 
• Existing initiatives that deserve greater visibility and community support 
• Ways Portland and Vancouver can show up for one another to strengthen the region 
• What leaders and organizations need from the broader community to sustain and advance equity-focused work 

Join us for an engaging conversation designed to deepen understanding, spark collaboration, and identify actionable next steps for advancing belonging across our region. Join us to learn, connect, and be part of shaping a more inclusive and empowered regional community.

Meet our Panelists:

Moderator: Phil Chun is the founder of Polaris Leadership Consulting, where he does one thing: turn mission-driven organizations' best individual contributors into their best managers. He works with leaders in organizations who were promoted for their expertise and now need to grow into their leadership roles. Phil is an ICF credentialed coach, a 2025 Portland Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, and a core team member of TEDxPortland.

Lori Stegmann joined the Department of County Human Services at Multnomah County as the Youth & Family Services Division Director in January 2025. She oversees the Domestic and Sexual Violence Coordination Office (DSVCO), Bienestar de la Familia, the Schools Uniting Neighborhoods (SUN) Service System, Energy Services, Housing Stability, and the 1115 Medicaid Waiver Rental Assistance Program. Previously Lori served as the District 4 (East County), Multnomah County Commissioner for eight years, serving the same community she grew up in. Her accomplishments include the siting and building of the flagship East County Library in Gresham, the Vance Vision, and the Construction Diversity and Equity Fund and countless other policies and investments to increase economic mobility for marginalized community members. She also continues to serve as an elected official as chair of the Flood Safety District. Lori is the first Korean and Asian American elected to the Multnomah County Board in 172 years which resulted in the first majority-minority Board of Commissioners. She served as Vice Chair in 2019 and 2022. She brings over 30 years of private sector experience as a previous small business owner as well as her lived experience as an immigrant, an adoptee, and a proud Korean American.

Judith Mowry (she/her) has served in the Office of Equity and Human Rights at the City of Portland since the office’s inception 14 years ago. She has served as a Citywide policy, implementation and strategy analyst, interim Director and training lead.  Judith has extensive experience in program design, communication, management, facilitation, meditation and training. She has dedicated her career to working toward inclusive communities and government. She is the co-founder of the Restorative Listening Project on Gentrification and the Community Residential Siting Program.