Oregon Pride in Business Foundation
The ORPIB Foundation is a 501(c)3 entity. More information coming soon.
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 Leadership
Okima Amaranthis (they/she)
Foundation Board President
As President Okima makes community engagement and resources for economic empowerment a priority. They find collaboration and connection with ORPIB membership and the greater business community as their greatest strength.
Okima moved from SW Oregon to Portland in 2009. Okima received their Bachelor of Science with a focus in Psychology from Portland State University in 2015, where they built a passion for understanding individuals and the intersectionality of experience.
Okima went on to be licensed as a General Securities Principal, and currently works in Compliance for a local Financial Firm. Their experience and skills have caused them to be deeply ethical, compassionate, and devoted to fostering an equitable and inclusive future. Okima is excited to realize these passions with ORPIB and their members.
Jeana Hooker (she/her)
Foundation Board Vice President
Jeana wants to use her knowledge, skills and talents in the pursuit of economic empowerment and justice for underserved communities. She is passionate about elevating minority owned local businesses, community partnership, providing resources, and connecting people. She brings 5 years of experience in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and 15 years of experience in the enterprise software industry. She was formerly a Sr. Diversity & Inclusion Partner at Vizient Inc. where she was able to pursue her passion for fostering systemic change and creating a culture of equity and belonging in organizations.
Jeana received a Masters Degree in Public Administration, a certificate in Women’s Studies, and a B.A. in English from Portland State University, and a certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Georgetown University.
In 2021, Jeana was recognized on the Involve OUTstanding top 100 LGBTQ+ Future Leaders list sponsored by Yahoo Finance. When she’s not working, or volunteering, you can find Jeana adventuring with her wife and two dogs or spending time with friends and family. She is looking forward to connecting with LGBTQ+ business owners, community partners, and other leaders to listen, learn and take action to ensure a thriving Oregon economy that includes, supports and elevates the LGBTQ+ business community.
Jill Nelson (she/her)
Foundation Board Secretary
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.
Michael Richardson (he/him)
Foundation Board
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.