We are proud to introduce you to our racial equity consultant: Stephanie Montgomery. Stephanie came to our attention through a recommendation of a Girlfriend, which speaks well of the synergy of our dynamic group of members.
Stephanie brings a wide range of experience and talent. She holds a bachelor's degree in German language and literature, a juris doctorate with an International Law Concentration and a variety of certifications. She has worked as a Chief Administrative Officer, professor, and consultant in education, and racial equity and inclusion, among other things. She has experience within city government in Oakland, California and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She has taught courses in Women & International Law, The Constitution & the Judicial Process, Education Law & Governance. All of this AND she speaks 5 languages and has worked and studied abroad. Stephanie now resides in Portland, where she volunteers with the Portland Art Museum and Rosemary Anderson High School Robotics Team.
Beginning in March, Stephanie will be guiding the girlfriends on our journey as we seek to embed racial equity and inclusion throughout our organization from grant making, to membership, member education and leadership. We hope you will take an opportunity to learn along with us. Stephanie will begin her work by meeting with some of the teams and committees currently working in the areas listed above. With her guidance we will plan member wide education events that will align with our racial equity priorities. More information will be coming soon.
“I love Stephanie’s roots in the civil rights movement and her vision for instilling continuous progress (not one time fixes) for future generations. Her wisdom on equity promises to enchant and to open our hearts and minds. She’s a cross-pollinator, spending her time with “all different kinds of groups.” I look forward to her work with ninety-nine girlfriends. She is relatively new to Portland, like many of our members. Let’s welcome her into our strategic, courageous conversations on race, inclusion and equity.” – Eileen Brady