Meet the Western States Center team

Based in Portland, Oregon since 1987, Western States Center staff, board and fellows work from across the region and the country.

 

Meet our Executive Director, Amy

Raised in Idaho, Amy has deep roots in social justice activism. She first connected to Western States Center as a young human rights organizer in Boise, and remained an active volunteer leader for over 18 years — including as board chair from 2007-2016. She has been active in progressive movement building in the West for over 20 years. Her past roles have included Executive Director of the Idaho Human Rights Education Center, Oregon State Director for Working America, and most recently Co-Executive Director for Basic Rights Oregon. She's deeply passionate about building political power for vulnerable communities and centering racial and gender justice in movement work.

Board of Directors

Mariotta Gary-Smith
Board Chair

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Mary Morten
Board Member 

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Lecia Brooks
Board Secretary & Treasurer

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Leslie Warren
Board Member

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Laura Martin
Board Member

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