I joined ninety-nine girlfriends in May (just under the wire!) after new friends invited me to a riveting event at The Reser. At the time I recall feeling instantly at home - welcomed within a community of like-minded women with a bias for action. The past several months have reinforced and deepened that sense of belonging - being seen, understood, and valued for what I'm able to contribute in this moment. Exactly what we long for from our girlfriends.
Our trust-based collective giving model is a revelation at the forefront of philanthropy. I've so enjoyed this year's selection process, and am ever-grateful to the women who were able to do all of the early legwork and relationship building to deliver an inspiring and powerful slate of contenders for 2023's grants.
It was a privilege to open my home to one of the finalist viewing parties. Tammy & the team made this so easy and fulfilling. The girlfriends divide and conquer, making it so that no one person has to take on too much work, and helping each of us who want to contribute beyond our dollars find ways aligned with our time and talents. I'm so grateful to have found such an evolved group for my soft landing as a Portland newcomer!
After calling Maui my home for 20 years, I made a leap to Portland in 2020 in search of four seasons. Since my arrival, I've been making new friends, laughing my way through the Pickleball Learning Curve at the MAC, and hiking more diverse terrain than I could've imagined.
I'm still building a PNW book of business for my company - I lead a boutique consulting firm that strengthens executive teams and amplifies their impact through strategic planning, team coaching, and leadership development. Our Hawaii clients still take me there often (especially during the Portland winters!), but the plan is to be here more and there less over time.
Community and connection are so important to me - I thrive when I get to lean into the things I love with friends, and I'm definitely looking for more friends here in Portland. Hiking with my pups, exploring new restaurants (they're still ALL new to me!), symphony, music, history, art, wine, local politics and issues...my curiosity is boundless!
I know the Member Spotlight is an introduction of sorts. I hope you'll take it as an invitation, as well. There at least 250 of you I haven't met yet!
Girlfriends! We’d love to spotlight you. Please contact Andra to learn more.