Hello Girlfriends! I’m Kiva Hanson, a writer, storyteller, collage artist, and former community journalist. I currently work in communications and development at Confluence, a Native-led arts and storytelling nonprofit. Before that, I worked as a journalist, where I covered local government, schools, environmental issues, and the people who make communities interesting.

I’ve always been drawn to stories and the different ways we tell them. I studied journalism and archaeology at the University of Oregon, and I’ve spent much of my life working with community-focused organizations, including Planned Parenthood, United Way, and the UO Women’s Center. I care deeply about whose stories are told, who gets to tell them, and how storytelling can help people feel more connected to their communities.

Outside of work, I’m a collage artist and run a small creative project called This Open Field. I make collages using old photographs, paper, and found materials. I also love to sew and quilt and regularly begin new projects before finishing the ones already spread across my table. I host monthly collage nights in Portland, and I would love to have some Girlfriends join me! No art experience is needed!

This sense of community is a big part of why I joined ninety-nine girlfriends through the Fellows Program. I spend a lot of time writing grants, so I was curious about the grantmaking side, but I’m just as excited to make friends and meet women outside my usual circles.

I live in NE Portland with my partner, two cats, and one dog. When I’m not working, you can find me making art, reading, thrifting, kayaking, or convincing myself there is absolutely room for one more craft supply in my closet.