Oregon Pride in Business Foundation
The ORPIB Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity.
Mission
To advance LGBTQ+ economic and business success through collaboration and education.
Vision
An inclusive and thriving business ecosystem for LGBTQ+ business professionals.
Objectives
Partnerships and Community Support
- Foster partnerships and collaborations with allies, organizations, and businesses that support LGBTQ+ rights and inclusivity.
- Build a strong sense of community among LGBTQ+ owned businesses, and foster connections, collaboration, and support networks to enhance business success and to cultivate economic sustainability.
Education and Empowerment
- Empower LGBTQ+ individuals to thrive in business by providing resources, mentorship, education, and opportunities for professional growth to equip LGBTQ+ professionals with the skills and knowledge necessary for leadership and success in the business world.
- Advocate for, and facilitate, cultural competency within businesses, ensuring that LGBTQIA2S+ individuals feel understood, respected, and fairly treated in professional settings.
Foundation Board of Directors
Jill Nelson (she/her)
Foundation Board President
Jill has been a member of ORPIB (previously PABA) since 2007, serving in the past as treasurer and as president. She also served for three years as the Regional Chair of NGLCC’s CCBO (chambers of commerce & business organizations) for the Pacific Region. With this background Jill provides a reservoir of experience in chamber leadership. Jill is currently serving as Treasurer, and is looking forward to supporting ORPIB’s financial growth and stability.
With over 20 years of business management experience, she brings a broad range of experiences from both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Jill has owned her own coaching and consulting business, working with numerous LGBTQ+ business owners to launch and/or build strong, vibrant businesses. She currently owns and is Director of Operations for Hot Diggity! Dog Walking + Pet Sitting, Portland’s largest privately and locally owned pet sitting business. Hot Diggity! is an LGBT Certified Business.
Jill has an undergraduate degree in Business Administration, an MBA from Drake University and an MDiv from Saint Paul School of Theology. She also is a certified Organization and Relationship Systems Coach.
Genevieve White (she/her)
Foundation Board Vice President
Genevieve White brings over 25 years of program and project management expertise and 15 years of marketing experience to her role as Vice President of the ORPIB Foundation Board. As a fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO), Genevieve specializes in transforming businesses through strategic operations and business system implementation. Her unique talent for simplifying complex challenges and fostering cross-functional alignment has earned her a reputation as an invaluable resource for organizations striving for sustainable growth.
Genevieve is deeply committed to empowering leaders, particularly BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and female founders, to break through barriers and achieve their vision. She partners closely with executives to help them get out of the day-to-day management, focus on big-picture strategies, and regain time for what matters most.
Originally from Portland, Genevieve recently returned after living in the Mt. Hood area, where she served for five years on the board of a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting scholarships and programs for the underserved community. She brings her passion for community engagement and equitable opportunities to her role at the ORPIB Foundation.
When she’s not helping businesses and organizations thrive, Genevieve enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty and spending time with her adult children.
Michael Richardson (he/him)
Foundation Board Secretary and Mentorship Program Coordinator
Michael joined the ORPIB Foundation Board of Directors in 2024 bringing a wealth of executive experience in the retail industry. As a leader specializing in apparel Merchandising and Design, he served as Vice President of Apparel at Columbia Sportswear, where he focused on developing assortment strategies to enhance brand equity, drive revenue growth, and increase profitability. Beyond his professional achievements, Michael has been a champion of diversity and inclusion, notably as the founding Executive Sponsor of Columbia's PRIDE Employee Resource Network. Through this initiative, he worked to establish a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies fostering equity and belonging in the workplace.
Prior to his tenure at Columbia Sportswear, Michael held various executive positions with Gap Inc. across multiple Brands globally. Additionally, he ventured into entrepreneurship by founding and operating "Cooper’s Gourmet", a gourmet wine and food market, showcasing his versatility and entrepreneurial spirit.
Michael and his partner Mike (aka MSquared), relocated with their Shi-Tzu, Tucker to Portland in 2018 after living in Brooklyn, NY, and San Francisco prior to that. Now enjoying retirement, Michael enjoys spending time in his yard and garden, practicing yoga and pilates, going on local hikes, and traveling.
Sara Meyers-Mitchell
Foundation Board Treasurer
Sarah Myers-Mitchell is a highly skilled Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with 13 years of
experience providing comprehensive accounting and financial services. Specializing in tax
planning, tax preparation, business advisory, and consulting, Sarah is dedicated to helping
individuals and businesses achieve financial clarity, compliance, and success.
With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of accounting principles, Sarah works closely
with clients to identify opportunities for tax savings, streamline financial operations, and ensure
adherence to regulatory requirements. She is adept at working with clients from various industries,
including startups, real estate and the broad medical and mental health fields, delivering tailored
solutions that meet their specific needs.
Sarah Myers-Mitchell earned two bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration: Accounting &
Supply & Logistics Management from Portland State University and holds a CPA license in Oregon.
She is committed to continuous professional development and stays updated with the latest tax
laws, accounting standards, and financial trends.
When not working with clients, Sarah enjoys playing billiards, and is actively involved in Oregon
Pride in Business, Oregon Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs.
Eric Trinh (he/him)
Foundation Board Member
Eric Trinh brings over seven years of experience in community engagement, equity-focused program management, and economic development. With an academic background in community development and urban and regional planning, Eric has contributed to impactful projects like the Interstate Bridge Replacement Program, ensuring equity and community benefits are prioritized for underserved populations.
A former undocumented immigrant and asylee, Eric draws on his lived experiences to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a small business owner, he supports nonprofit clients in advancing community engagement projects that center equity, sustainability, and meaningful connections.
Eric’s expertise includes managing transitional housing facilities, leading federally funded initiatives to address social determinants of health, and developing policies rooted in community feedback. He is passionate about promoting equitable economic opportunities, particularly in supporting LGBTQIA+ businesses and communities.
Eric is excited to bring his leadership, strategic vision, and lived experience to Oregon Pride in Business, amplifying opportunities for Oregon's LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.
Ali Maaxa, Ph.D (she/her)
Foundation Board Member
Ali Maaxa is an anthropologist, author, mom, and people scientist with her own insights & innovation firm, MaaxaLabs. As a professor, she has taught and published on global gender studies, African digital futures, and music as social justice. In industry, she gets to the heart of what customers truly need from their products and services. She coaches leaders in applying learnings from behavioral and bee science to their team’s unique “hive mind.” Her current passion project is a study of global mermaid folklore, available at TheMermaid.Club.
Kristi Smith (she/her)
Foundation Board Member
Kristi Smith (She/Her) is the founder and president of Canby Pride, a nonprofit organization dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and fostering visibility for the LGBTQ+ community in Canby, Oregon. With a passion for advocacy, community engagement, and social justice, Kristi has played a pivotal role in building meaningful partnerships between local businesses, government, and community organizations in a traditionally conservative, rural town.
In addition to her work with Canby Pride, Kristi brings years of experience in nonprofit leadership, event planning, and community organizing. She has successfully coordinated large-scale events, secured grant funding, and led initiatives aimed at increasing awareness and acceptance for marginalized communities. Known for her drive, compassion, and commitment to pushing boundaries, Kristi is dedicated to advancing equity and creating sustainable opportunities for LGBTQ+ individuals and businesses across Oregon.
When she’s not advocating for her community, Kristi enjoys lifelong learning, volunteering, and spending time with her family.