About IWF Oregon

Jackie Seto

Jackie Seto is the Principal of Side People Consulting LLC advising emerging companies and leaders on their business, operating and organizational development plans, with a strong focus on helping next generation women leaders. Prior to Side People, Jackie spent 22 years at Lam Research, a Semiconductor Capital Equipment Manufacturer where she led research, product development and marketing for multiple business units, mergers and acquisitions for companies in Ireland and Korea and led the turn-around of a failing post-merger integration in Austria. On the board of Ultra Clean Technology, she is the Chair of the Nominating, Governance and Environmental Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. She is a volunteer Director Coach for 50/50 Women on Boards and Xcelerate and a mentor for Mentium Corporation. She holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec.

Melody Rose

Dr. Melody Rose is Senior Partner at WittKieffer, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, where she provides talent solutions within the higher education practice group.  After a 25-year higher education career in which she served as the statewide chancellor of two public higher education systems with billion-dollar budgets, a university president, and numerous other roles in the academy, today she is passionate about supporting universities and colleges in their search for C-suite talent. During this period of significant higher education innovation and change, supporting the leadership bench has never been more vital to the future of the education landscape.

Rose is also an expert in university and corporate governance. Throughout her years on faculty, she focused her teaching and research on issues related to American women and politics, campaigns and elections, and social policy, earning awards for several books, including Hillary Clinton'­s Race for the White House (with coauthor Regina Lawrence). Rose is the author of five books and numerous articles most recently focused on higher education governance, board governance and higher education business models, drawing from her experience in closing Marylhurst University and as a veteran in the areas of talent development, crisis management, and mergers, acquisitions, & closures.

Rose is the Founder of Portland State University'­s Center for Women'­s Leadership, which for 20 years has worked to build an equitable public service pathway for underrepresented, female-identifying leaders.

Rose earned her BA in Politics (Phi Beta Kappa) from UC Santa Cruz. She earned an M.P.A., M.A., and Ph.D. in Government from Cornell University.

Rose is also a committed member of her community, serving on multiple boards and commissions, recently including the National Association of System Heads (NASH) and the Nevada Governor'­s Office of Economic Development (GOED). She is an active member of the International Women'­s Forum, and successfully co-chaired the comprehensive campaign for Habitat for Humanity Portland, which raised $44 million in private and public dollars to triple the number of houses they build in the region.  Rose'­s work has been honored with numerous awards, including the 2018 Girl Scouts Women of Distinction Award for "courageous leadership."

Ann Marie Mehlum

Ann Marie is a banking leader with more than 35 years of experience in commercial lending, community banking and federal agency administration. She is a valued adviser on operating, strategic, and policy issues. As the founding CEO of Summit Bank in Oregon, she successfully steered the firm through the 2008 financial crisis and served until recently on its Board of Directors. As a banker, she was involved with state and national policy making. She served as President of the Oregon Bankers Association, as a member of the FDIC Community Advisory Council and the Treasury CDFI Advisory Board. In her role as Associate Administrator of Capital Access at the US Small Business Administration, she oversaw SBA programs that provide access to capital for American small businesses and a portfolio that exceeded $100B. She increased access to capital by streamlining the agency’s guarantee process and attracting new lending partners. As a champion of underserved markets, she convened a national roundtable at the White House to address barriers to capital access.   In addition to serving as Director Emeritus on the Summit Bank Board, Ann Marie currently serves on the board of SmartBizBank NA,  based in San Francisco.  She is a member of the State of Oregon Bankers Hall of Fame for lifetime contributions to the banking industry. She holds a B.A from Pacific Lutheran University (magna cum laude), which named her Distinguished Alumna in 2016, and an MBA from UC Berkeley.
 

Anne Marie Levis

Anne Marie is President and Creative Director of Funk/Levis & Associates, providing a standard of excellence that sets the bar for all the agency’s work. Her passion for branding and marketing is surpassed only by her dedication to the agency’s clients. Anne Marie is proud of the company and team that she’s built. She loves knowing that her team helps people and businesses succeed, day in and day out.

In addition to leading Funk/Levis, Anne Marie is a vital member of the Eugene community. She serves on the advancement council for the School of Journalism at the University of Oregon and in a leadership role for the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce. She has a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Oregon, a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from California State University, Chico and an Associate’s degree from West Valley Community College. In 2018 she earned her Accreditation in Public Relations from the Public Relations Society of America, the highest level of certification for public relations professionals.

Julie Harrelson

Julie is a strategist with expertise in turning ideas into results. 

Advisor, investor, entre-philanthropist collaborating with key leaders including over 100 CEO's who manage millions, set policy, accelerate innovation and employ thousands. Thought partner providing counsel focused on best life, fundraising, building companies and communities, growth, transition. Speaker, emcee, panelist.

As Managing Director of eight Cascade funds, she made over 100 investments. Her journey as a founder and executive in six early-stage companies sparked her interest in investing in innovative entrepreneurs. 

Previously, Julie was a tech executive at multiple companies acquired by Earthlink, Time Warner, and others. After exiting a tech startup, she became a strategist with entrepreneurs, Fortune 500 company leaders, and leaders of global initiatives in healthcare, education, and sustainability.

A believer in living life fully and an adventurer at heart, Julie has studied the human spirit, jumped off cliffs into glacial rivers in Iceland, driven sled dogs, and biked the backroads of the Pacific Northwest. 

A lifetime resident of the beautiful PNW she can be found at the Oregon Coast, Portland, Vancouver, BC, or other stunning locations around 

Debbie Kitchin

Debbie Kitchin is a Principal of InterWorks, L.L.C., a general contractor specializing in commercial tenant improvement and renovation and residential remodeling since 1994. InterWorks is an award-winning contractor with expertise in sustainable building practices.

Prior to joining the family business in 1996, Debbie was a regional economist for 18 years, mostly at the Northwest Power Planning Council. Debbie serves as Past President of the Board of Directors of the Central Eastside Industrial Council and a member of the Board of Directors of Greater Portland Inc. She was appointed to the City of Portland Charter Review Commission in 2020. She is also a member of the 2021 Emerge Oregon cohort. She served as Chair and Member of the Board of Directors of the Energy Trust of Oregon (member for 16 years). She is Chair Emeritus of the Portland Business Alliance. Debbie was awarded the 2017 William S. Naito Outstanding Service Award and the 2015 DJC Women of Vision Award. Debbie has a B.A. in Economics from Reed College and the MBA from Portland State University. Debbie loves living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and enjoys many outdoor activities including skiing, soccer, golf and hiking.

Victoria Lara

Victoria, the CEO and Founder of Lara Media Services, has over 26 years of experience in strategic engagement, communication, multiculturalism, advertising campaigns, and outreach plans through an equity lens. She seeks to eliminate racial inequalities and ensure a brighter, more prosperous future for all. 

 Victoria is known for her unwavering dedication to expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices. Her ability to listen, respond, and develop culturally responsive solutions is a source of inspiration. She focuses on the Pacific Northwest, working tirelessly to eliminate barriers, especially for the Latino community.

Victoria's expertise and impact have been widely recognized locally and nationally. Her work has been featured in prominent media outlets such as Univision, CNN, and the Portland Business Journal, underscoring her significant contributions to advancing social equity through innovative communication, marketing, and engagement strategies. She also focuses on providing opportunities and supporting the advancement of women of color, especially Latina youth, within the community. Through her work, Victoria aims to empower them, ensuring they have access to the resources, mentorship, and platforms they need to thrive and contribute to the prosperity of the Pacific Northwest.

 Victoria is actively pursuing various initiatives to support the Latino community, including developing resources for women's business ownership, collaborating with prominent local organizations, and participating in panels on entrepreneurship, social issues, and policies at universities and TEDx events. Additionally, Victoria has led high-profile campaigns, further cementing her role as a trusted community advocate and leader.

Education 

2019 Stanford University - Latino Entrepreneurship Initiative Scaling Program 

2018 PSU School of Business Increase Program - Degree & Certifications: Bachelor’s in Business Marketing & Administration

2015 University of Washington - Foster School of Business Executive

2014 Portland State University Business Outreach Program, 

2001 Clark College's Business Program, 

1995 Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua

American Forum Class 29, Unid@s Class 4 

Recognitions & Awards 

Ohtli Award, the highest recognition bestowed upon a Mexican living abroad. Government of Mexico 2025

Women of Influence Award, Portland Business Journal 2025

Glass Ceiling Breaker, Portland Metro Chamber 2024

Cultura Mex-USA Award 2023

Hank & Martina Curl Award, PCUN 2022

Aguila Award, Latino Network  2020

Women of Distinction Oregon and Washington, Girl Scouts 2019

Bravo Award, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 2018

Civic and Business Award, Center of Women’s Leadership  2017

Outstanding Mexican, Mexican Embassy 2016

Tedx, "Prosperity through Imperfections" 2016

Recognized by Governor Brown as a resilient and successful business owner 2016

The Power of a Personality, Girls Inc. 2015

Champion of Small Business, U.S. Small Business Association 2014

American Dreamer Award, Causa Oregon 2013

Leadership Award, Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber 2012

Recognition Award, Portland Guadalajara Sister Association  2011

Inspirational Advocacy Word, Las Mujeres PSU 2009

Vicki Nakashima

Vicki Nakashima is proud of her public service career in Oregon state government and Oregon’s community programs. As a state government contributor, she was director of the Office of Multicultural Health, Oregon Department of Human services, assistant administrator for the Human Resource Management Division. Department of Administrative Services, and director of the Office of Civil Rights for the Department of Transportation and Office of Affirmative Action for the Children’s Services Division, Department of Human Services.

Nakashima is one of the original founders of the nonprofit, Partners in Diversity and Say Hey!, a quarterly community event held since 2003, to welcome professionals and leaders of color who relocate to pursue careers in Oregon and southwest Washington. She currently serves on the board of Mary’s Woods at Marylhurst and the American Leadership Forum of Oregon, and the International Women’s Forum of Oregon. Vicki also serves as a member of the Development and Marketing Committee for the Oregon Community Foundation. She has been an advocate for civil rights and racial justice in Oregon. Vicki is also proud of her long-time hobby of showing Arabian horses at the local, regional and national levels.

Vicki has been helping to make the game of golf more welcoming and inclusive for women and people of color. Since 2008, she has volunteered with the City of Portland Golf Program, junior golf programs and the Oregon Golf Association in addition to her volunteer work with several nonprofit, public service and community activities  Vicki lives in Camas, WA and has a son and grandson living near Silverton, OR.

Sabrina Parsons

Sabrina Parsons is CEO of Palo Alto Software, developer of the best-selling business management software, LivePlan, and email management product Outpost. Palo Alto Software, with headquarters in Eugene, Oregon, develops software and tools for entrepreneurs and small-business owners. Palo Alto Software employs over 80 employees and focuses on employee benefits that honor and respect their employees'­ whole lives. Sabrina assumed the CEO role in May 2007. She is a staunch supporter of entrepreneurs and believes in giving back and supporting communities in Oregon. She has recently been appointed by Governor Kate Brown to the State of Oregon'­s Workforce and Talent Development Board as well as co-chairing the Oregon Growth Board, another Governor-appointed position. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the Oregon Community Foundation. When not working Sabrina is found outside, running, biking, skiing, and backpacking. She is the mother of 3 boys ages 16 and under and a passionate supporter of working moms and policies that support working mothers in the USA.

Candace Beeke

Candace Beeke (bee-key) loves a good story, especially sharing those of small business growth in the Portland metro region. As publisher and president of the award-winning Portland Business Journal, a position she accepted in September 2020, she gets to do that every day, along with a team of great journalists, marketers and event planners.

Beeke previously served as publisher of Albuquerque Business First and editor in chief of the Houston Business Journal, both sister publications to PBJ. Prior to that, Beeke was editor of the Business Review West Michigan, the publication where she began her career in journalism as a manufacturing reporter in 2001.

Beeke serves on the board of the Portland Business Alliance.

She graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelor'­s degree in public relations and a minor in journalism. She taught advanced and basic journalism as adjunct faculty at WMU from 2003 through 2010.

PBJ is owned by American City Business Journals.

Angela Hult

Angela’s career combines her personal and professional commitment to service. Before joining the Kuni Foundation, Angela previously led all philanthropic and community investment efforts for Cambia Health Solutions, a $9 billion total health solutions company based in Portland, Oregon. In her role as Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Executive Director of the Cambia Health Foundation, she directed programs such as employee volunteerism and community engagement, corporate giving, regional and national grant making, sustainability, executive board placement and the employee giving campaign, which had a participation rate of more than twice the national average. Angela’s career spans investor relations, global media, strategic communications and corporate philanthropy, where she has worked for some of Oregon’s best-known companies, including Wells Fargo, PacifiCorp and Columbia Sportswear. Her nonprofit board service includes statewide and national organizations. She serves as Vice Chair of Grantmakers of Oregon and Southwest Washington and on the Board of the Regional Arts and Culture Council. She previously served as Chair of the board of The Center for Women’s Leadership at Portland State University and also served on the boards of Albertina Kerr and Children First for Oregon. In 2016, she was named a Woman of Influence by the Portland Business Journal. Angela received a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Pacific Lutheran University and is a graduate of the Leadership Academy for Corporate Citizenship at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management. She is proud to be a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest.
 

Jessica Zubach

Jessica Zubach serves as Operations Manager for IWF Oregon. Under the direction and guidance of the President and Board of Directors, she is responsible for managing day-to-day forum operations, driving committee activities, supporting forum members and facilitating their participation in forum activities.

Prior to joining IWF Oregon, Jessica led principal donor stewardship programs for Oregon Health & Science University and Doernbecher Children'­s Hospital Foundation. Prior to this, she produced award-winning advertising campaigns at Wieden Kennedy for Fortune 100 companies including Nike and Procter & Gamble.

Jessica attained her Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communication and Public Relations from the University of Portland. She currently lives in Anchorage, Alaska with her husband and two young children and serves as Vice President for Anchor Lutheran School's Board of Directors.