We engage students to foster self-awareness, interpersonal understanding, and social justice through civic leadership.
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Vision in Action
Passion Impact students are self-affirmed community members who pursue their passions to achieve a healthier world.
Students
Student are constantly front and center with everything we do. From programs, to staff hiring, to the defining of our cultural fabric, students are in the drivers' seat.
Partnerships
Reciprocal relationships are crucial to supporting students' and each of their communities. We strive to build long-term relationships that enable more meaningful impact.
Internal Structure
We strive to represent the students we support internally. Board, staff, and students are encouraged to constantly sharpen our DEI lens to better understand and empathize with one other's vision of a healthier world.
Community Feedback
As a community connector, we aspire to understand and support students in achieving their visions. This requires feedback from all teachers, parents, partners, and students themelves.
How to Get Involved
Students
High School and College students are trained to run the programs that impact the community. Find out more!
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Committees
Project based collaborative committees support PI internally. Find out if you're a good fit for one!
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Donate
Thank you for supporting PI with a monthly donation, one-time gift, with supplies, or all the above!
Learn MorePassion For Passion Impact
"We did a lot of self reflection in the [Summer Internship] workshops. We talked a lot about social issues and social topics and took turns listening to what each of us had to say. Some of the conversations could be uncomfortable because they are topics we aren't used to talking about. I think it was a really good opportunity to grow and to listen and hear other people's perspectives without trying to argue with them. And to see what you can understand from them through their point of view."
Christina Ou
Summer Intern and VEP Leader at Franklin High School
"Gaining online leadership skills and being able to work with a group of people and create something without the supervision of an adult, a parent, or teacher guiding you through the whole process. It feels really accomplishing to have a useable end goal from something that you and three other people alone made. It's the best feeling ever and it's super fun!"
Calder Nakell
VEP Student at Franklin High School
"One of the things that I was really shocked by in coming into VEP was just how strong of a community you can build so quickly. I didn't feel out of place or unwelcome. It was just a nice thing to come into. Having that type of environment around you while also working and growing skills that are really useful for my future has been something that's really awesome to me!"
Anabelle Jukkala
Current VEP Member and Franklin High School student
"We did a lot of self reflection in the [Summer Internship] workshops. We talked a lot about social issues and social topics and took turns listening to what each of us had to say. Some of the conversations could be uncomfortable because they are topics we aren't used to talking about. I think it was a really good opportunity to grow and to listen and hear other people's perspectives without trying to argue with them. And to see what you can understand from them through their point of view."
Christina Ou
Summer Intern and VEP Leader at Franklin High School
"Gaining online leadership skills and being able to work with a group of people and create something without the supervision of an adult, a parent, or teacher guiding you through the whole process. It feels really accomplishing to have a useable end goal from something that you and three other people alone made. It's the best feeling ever and it's super fun!"
Calder Nakell
VEP Student at Franklin High School
"One of the things that I was really shocked by in coming into VEP was just how strong of a community you can build so quickly. I didn't feel out of place or unwelcome. It was just a nice thing to come into. Having that type of environment around you while also working and growing skills that are really useful for my future has been something that's really awesome to me!"
Anabelle Jukkala
Current VEP Member and Franklin High School student
Our Team
We love learning from one another, engaging in difficult discussions, and empowering each other to grow. Meet the people who support students behind the scenes!
Adrianna Davis (she/her)
High School Program Manager
Hello! My name is Adrianna (I use sher/her pronouns) and I am the High School Program Manager here at Passion Impact. I’m really excited to be working with Passion Impact and the students at both Franklin & Madison High School. I grew up in Portland and graduated high school from Reynolds. I went to Oregon State University (go beavs!) where I earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Microbiology and Sociology. While in college I found a passion in social justice advocacy while working at the Cultural Resource Centers on campus. Some other little facts about me, I love to travel and am always listening to music. If you ever see me walking out and about, I’ll most likely have my headphones in bopping around to some music.
Ally Fraser (she/her)
College Program Coordinator
Hi there! My name is Ally Fraser (she/her) and I am the College Program Coordinator for Passion Impact! As College Program Coordinator, I plan on using my experience as a former Advocate for Community Engagement and my Associate’s degree in Family & Human Services to expand the ACE program and continue to encourage self-development and the pursuit of a healthier world. I look forward to working with the team at Passion Impact to continue to support students in their DEI learning and civic engagement! In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to podcasts, hanging out with my dog, Calvin, and planning trips to Disneyland!
Kayley Blethen (she/they)
High School Program Coordinator
Hi friends! My name is Kayley (she/they) and I am the High School Program Assistant. I’m thrilled to be working at Passion Impact in order to help students develop, grow, and strengthen their civic engagement skills. I grew up in Albany, OR but moved to Portland in order to enhance my cultural competency and advance my education while attending Portland State University. I graduated from PSU with a Bachelors of Science in Psychology and a minor in Child, Youth, & Family Studies. With that degree, I intend to make a lasting, positive impact on my community. Part of the vision at Passion Impact is to support students in pursuing their passions to achieve a healthier world; I personally define a healthier world as a world that fosters empathy, equitability, mental/physical well-being, diversity, and inclusion. A little more about me: I have a black cat named Squid, I enjoy listening to rock and alternative rock music (Queen, Cage the Elephant, The Strokes, etc.), and I love outdoor activities such as hiking and camping.
Carly (Yin Ka) Chan (she/her)
Donor Relations Assistant
Hello friends! My name is Carly Chan (she/her/hers), and I'm the Donor Relations Assistant at Passion Impact. I'm a PI High School and College program alumnus, and I'm excited to be building lasting relationships with donors and the PI community! Growing up in Hong Kong, my family and I are immigrants. Moving to Portland, OR during my high school years was challenging. Being a part of PI helped me find a community that is both goofy and eager to grow. PI has inspired me to take on new challenges, and that's my goal working in development. Seeing students have the resources to succeed and reach their full potential is the fuel that drives my work. I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Public Health and a minor in Community Development at PSU. My mission in life is to connect with people in different parts of the world and utilize the skills I have acquired to foster a healthier and more accessible world. In my free time, I like to sing and play the guitar. I also love watersports (paddleboarding)! Talk to me about immigrant and refugee rights, health care, or international relations, and I ensure there will be no awkward silences in our conversation.
Stefan Peierls (he/him)
Executive Director
Hey y’all! I’m Stefan Peierls and have been with PI long enough to see some fantastic students move from high school into adulthood through our programs. After shifting from programs to backend, most of my work now consists of supporting our very talented and driven staff who are devoted to making each and every space one of belonging. It’s important to me that our organization be grounded in inclusivity and equity which is why I am committed to prioritizing the work of our DEI Committee and the social justice education that our students receive through programs. Outside of Passion Impact, you’ll see me spending time in my garden with my doggos or going on runs with my partner. We do our best to balance our life and enjoy being supporters of each of the communities in which live. If you see me around, say hi please! I love meeting new people and building relationships.
Our Board
Committees
Board Of Directors
Our Board of Directors is devoted to fostering our mission through inclusiveness, capacity support, and student focus. If you are interested to see if you are a good fit for our Board of Directors, learn more here. Click to learn more about each Board Member.
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Nina Nguyen (she/her)
Board Secretary
Portland, OR
Nina Nguyen is a nonprofit professional with over 12 years of experience in the sector in various capacities. As a new mom, she has very little time for much else, but does enjoy coaching high school tennis, playing Fortnite, and cooking/baking. At a restaurant, she's the type to order the entire appetizers menu for the table. She was once ranked #2 in the PNW for women's 3.5 singles in tennis.
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Krista Nussbaum (she/her/hers)
Board Member - Finance Committee Board Rep
Portland, OR
I am an enthusiastic and fun CPA working at a local accounting firm. I love exploring and adventuring in the world, reading deeply, and connecting with the various communities I exist in. Also, I grew up in Kodiak, AK. I am inspired to be a part of my community because I value connection and empathy and believe that we all deserve mutual thriving. I am inspired by Passion Impact and the work they do. They enthusiastically move forward toward better ways of centering equity and students in ways are necessary and important. I hope to contribute my skills towards maintaining financials that are both transparent and informative so the board and community can use them to make good financial decisions and steward the finances well.
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Kamerin Vesajd (He/Him/His)
Board Member - Student Advisory Board Rep
Portland, OR
Hi, you can call me Kam! I'm passionate about learning things involving data and music! I love to focus on incorporating things I've learned into the world which I hope can leave a positive impact. Little hobbies I enjoy doing are playing piano/guitar, table tennis, working out, and much more.
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Arsh Haque (they/them)
Board Chair
Portland, OR
Arsh is a national-award-winning founder, coach, and storyteller. They have founded four startups (which have been accepted into top accelerators like Techstars and Coca Cola), built masters-level courses & taught alongside instructors from Stanford’s d.school, and coached thought leaders on how to deliver Talks at TED. They hold a JD from the University of Southern California and a Master of Public Policy from the Paris Institute of Political Studies. They also have extensive experience in DEI rooted in lived experience, formal academic study, and practice.
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Davida McCauley
Board Member - Membership Committee Board Rep
Portland, OR
Hey Folks, You may recognize me as the former College Program Coordinator! I am sad to be stepping away from that position but happy to also be stepping in this one. I look forward to supporting Passion Impact, students and staff in this new role and focusing on hiring, recruiting and membership policies as the new membership chair person.
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Kenyahta Sikes
Board Vice Chair
Portland, OR
Information Coming Soon!
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Tai Hua
Board Treasurer
Portland, OR
Information Coming Soon!
Our Current Committees
Passion Impact has 6 committees that meet monthly to support the mission by taking charge behind the scenes. Our goal is to include at least one student on each committee in order to keep the focus on students in all aspects of our endeavors. If your curious about joining any of the following committees, feel free to reach out to start volunteering with us!
DEI Committee
The purpose of the DEI committee is to: create a brave space and a culture of accountability within Passion Impact, to help identify opportunities for...
Learn MoreAdmin Committee
To support the board in strategic direction, capacity, training.
Development Committee
To support the sustainability of Passion Impact through resource generation, relationship stewardship, financial stability.
Learn MoreFinance Committee
To provide easily accessible financial insight that provides he data necessary to make sustainable and transparent decisions.
Membership Committee
To provide equitable and inclusive pathways for community members to join Passion Impact as staff, interns, or Work-Study students.
Learn MoreStudent Advisory Board
More to come!