About Us

PODER, Oregon’s Latino Leadership Network is a nonprofit organization made up of over 3,200 Latino leaders, organizations, businesses, public employees, community members, and allies across Oregon.

Our Vision

We envision a world where our communities have self-determination and equal opportunity in their pursuit of happiness and prosperity. A world where our communities have the choice to be full participants in social and civic life, thrive financially, be emotionally and physically healthy, and have power and agency over their culture, identity, and future.

We envision a just society that is equitable and inclusive for everyone.

Our Mission

PODER's mission is to bring together Latinos across Oregon to build collective power and capacity to facilitate people-driven solutions that promote social, economic, and civic prosperity for all.

About us

Connecting Latino leadership across all of Oregon.

PODER is the statewide network that aligns, strengthens, and amplifies Latino influence, investment, and leadership — from urban centers to rural and agricultural communities.

our vision

A just society that is equitable and inclusive for everyone.

Our Mission

Collective power. People-driven solutions.

PODER's mission is to bring together Latinos across Oregon to build collective power and capacity to facilitate people-driven solutions that promote social, economic, and civic prosperity for all.

How We Work

From activity to coordinated power

Rather than replacing existing organizations, PODER strengthens their effectiveness by aligning strategy, communication, leadership, and investment across six areas of impact.

01

Coordination

Aligning individuals and organizations across regions and sectors to increase statewide coordination, shared strategy, and measurable outcomes.

02

Narrative

Building a statewide multilingual narrative infrastructure that shapes public understanding and elevates Latino leadership.

03

Economic Power

Expanding Latino participation in contracts, capital flows, and economic decision-making to close long-term wealth gaps.

04

Policy & Advocacy

Coordinating statewide policy strategy and strengthening year-round civic engagement at local and state levels.

05

Leadership Pipeline

Developing, placing, and sustaining Latino leaders in decision-making roles across public, private, and civic systems.

06

Research & Data

Generating community-informed research and data that shape policy, guide investment, and strengthen Latino narrative authority.

Connect. Strengthen. Amplify.

PODER is a backbone infrastructure for collective impact — a statewide platform designed to connect Latino leadership and organizations across Oregon's urban, rural, agricultural, and emerging communities.

OUR PEOPLE

Board of Directors

Jaime Rodriguez

President, Poder Oregon

Jaime Rodriguez serves as the President of Poder Oregon, where he guides the organization’s vision and strategic initiatives to support and empower local communities. Jaime plays an active role in fostering community connections, organizing virtual town halls with regional leaders, and driving forward key annual milestones. He is deeply committed to community engagement and collaboration, working hand-in-hand with executive leadership and the board of directors to expand outreach, support regional advocacy efforts, and champion collective growth across Oregon.

Maria Ritchie

Board Member

Community Partnership Manager, CareSource

Ms. Ritchie is a dedicated community leader and relationship-building professional with more than 20 years of experience at CareSource. As Community Partnership Manager since 2021, she has focused on strengthening partnerships, supporting underserved communities, and advancing member-centered care. Her long-standing commitment to service was recognized with the CareSource Heartbeat Award in 2024.

In addition to her professional work, Ms. Ritchie serves on the boards of PODER Oregon and Nueva Luz Resource Center. Passionate about community empowerment and mentorship, she is committed to helping others overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and make a positive impact in their communities.

Olivia Alcaire

Board Member

Higher Education Leader, EdD

Olivia has worked in higher education since 2003, supporting students through every stage of their academic journey—from admissions and orientation to advising, teaching, and career services. She is passionate about fostering inclusive learning environments and helping students and their families achieve their educational goals.

She holds a BA and MA in History from Portland State University, an EdM in Adult Education from Oregon State University, and an EdD in Educational Leadership from Portland State University. Olivia has taught Chicano/Latino Studies, Mexican History, U.S. History, and College Success. Outside of work, she enjoys Oregon’s forests and beaches, gardening, reading, and advocating for environmental stewardship and climate action.

Kristen Pratt

Board Member

Associate Professor, Western Oregon University

Kristen L. Pratt is an Associate Professor of ESOL and Bilingual Education at Western Oregon University and the Coordinator of Education Initiatives and Partnerships in the College of Education,.Dr. Pratt investigates community-centered, place-conscious teacher preparation pathways that honor local knowledge and ways of being. Her research scrutinizes the systemic structures and institutional frameworks that impact educational access for aspiring educators in non-metropolitan communities. Through critical ethnographic methods, her work aims to transgressively transform these established frameworks to foster educator thriving and sustainability.

Jaidah Garcia

Board Member

Public Service Professional, Oregon Judicial Branch

Jaidah Garcia currently serves on the PODER Oregon Board, supporting the organization’s mission to empower and uplift communities across Oregon through advocacy, leadership, and civic engagement. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Western Oregon University in 2025 with degrees in Psychology and Sociology, where her academic work focused on equity, education, and community development.

Professionally, Jaidah works within Oregon’s judicial branch and is committed to advancing public service, equity, and access to justice. Her professional background includes experience in community engagement, legislative advocacy, and nonprofit leadership, with a focus on strengthening inclusive systems and expanding opportunities for historically underserved communities.

John (Juan) Mayoral

Board Member

Immigration Advocate & Community Organizer

John is a dedicated advocate for social justice with more than three decades of experience in community organizing, immigration advocacy, youth empowerment, and nonprofit leadership. Throughout his career, he has worked to advance equity and opportunity for marginalized communities, including establishing MEChA chapters across Oregon and serving as an accredited representative authorized to practice immigration law.

Through coalition-building, policy advocacy, and community engagement, John has championed immigrant rights, supported immigrant families, and empowered youth to become leaders in their communities. His lifelong commitment to social change continues to help create more inclusive and equitable opportunities for all.

Anthony Veliz

Executive Director, Poder Oregon

Anthony Veliz is a respected community leader and advocate who has earned the trust of Oregon's Latino community through decades of public service and civic engagement. He was the first Latino elected to the Woodburn School District Board of Directors and the second Latino elected to the Woodburn City Council, helping shape policies that support equity, education, and community well-being.

Anthony has served on the Oregon State Board of Education and nonprofit boards, while also consulting with organizations on equity, diversity, inclusion, and recruitment. His deep understanding of Oregon's growing multicultural and Latino communities has made him a trusted voice and leader across the state.

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LEADERSHIP

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P.O. Box 553
Woodburn, OR 97071

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