About Us
About Us | Vision, Mission, Values | Principles & Theory of Change | Our Team
Staff
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Charity Yoro
OPERATIONS MANAGER
Born and raised on the east side of Oʻahu, Charity E. Yoro (she/her) now occupies the traditional territory of the Atfalati, Clatskanie, and Kalapuya with her wild, loving family. She has a diverse background in international development, education, writing, and marketing. When she’s not managing operations, she’s writing poetry, taking forest walks, or making a mess in the kitchen with her two young kiddos.
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Jessica Martinez Medina
PROGRAM MANAGER
Jessica Martinez Medina (she/her) is a second generation Latina. From an early age, Jessica has led with her values of community. Before coming to Oregon Futures Lab, she worked at the Oregon State Legislature, grassroots community organizing efforts, and electoral campaigns. Jessica is committed to creating thriving communities by advancing and promoting greater access to resources for all Oregonians.
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Erin Kothari
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Erin Kothari (she/her) joins OFL with a wealth of experience across different areas — as a founding co-chair of the Oregon Students of Color Coalition, former aide to Congressman Mike Honda, and most recently as senior director of operations for RISE Partnership.
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Naomi (Omi) Strait
POLITICAL DIRECTOR
Naomi (Omi) Strait (she/her) grew up in Beaverton and has spent most of her life in Oregon. She began her advocacy work in anti-sexual violence and racial justice in college, and most recently worked to organize for reproductive rights and freedom. Outside the office, Omi loves to read, play video games, and visit local restaurants.
Board
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Marlene Yesquen, Board Chair
A native Spanish speaker, Marlene Yesquen was born into a working class family in Arlington, Virginia. Her parents are Peruvian, and they raised Marlene to value education, hard work and integrity. Marlene opened her own law practice in 2016. Marlene is inspired by the quote “Where there is great power, there is great responsibility.” She knows that her influence in the world is something to be valued and put to work in the neighborhoods of her city. Along with her husband and children, Marlene has put down deep roots in the Rogue Valley. Over the years, she has invested in Oregon and her local community by serving on various boards and councils.
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Kareem Alston
Kareem Alston is a communications pro working in philanthropy. His many skills include digital engagement, grantmaking, research and writing. He brings vision, experience and a hearty dash of creativity to OFL along with undergraduate and master’s degrees from Stanford University.
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Nancy Haque
As the Director of Policy and Programs at the Meyer Memorial Trust, Nancy is driven by a passion for making the world a better place, a belief in the ability of people to make positive social change and an understanding that how we treat each other in the work matters just as much as the outcome. She joins the OFL board with an immense amount of strategic experience and vision for policy change and civic engagement.
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Mike Honda
From his early career as a science teacher, to his first elected position on the San Jose Unified School Board, to his positions on the County Board of Supervisors, the California State assembly and finally the U.S. House of Representatives, Mike Honda’s distinguished career is marked by his unwavering commitment to public service and social justice. Honda’s experiences in the Peace Corps and as well as a Japanese American interned during World War II is testament to his tireless dedication to creating a more just and equitable society.
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Josué Peña Juárez
Josué Peña-Juárez was the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) Earl Boyles Housing Program - Housing and Family Advocate. He was part of the Earl Boyles Elementary team for over three years, in the housing role and previously worked with parents as a home visitor on parenting skills and as a family resource navigator supporting families’ access to resources and services. Josué's focus was on reframing school and community’s understanding of health and wellness, and ensuring housing is addressed as a critical determinant of health. Josué’s work embodies authentic community engagement and family empowerment, and he is well-versed in culturally-responsive practice, motivational interviewing, assertive engagement, and trauma-informed practice. Prior to joining Earl Boyles Elementary, Josué worked as a home visitor through a mental health agency addressing resources with families involved in child welfare and TANF. His undergraduate studies were in Ethnic Studies and Women’s and Gender Studies at the University of Oregon.