Our Team
Loyalty Hustler
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As an empathic peer mentor, I am here to listen, support, and guide you through life experiences with understanding and care. I truly believe that we all need a little extra support sometimes, and I'm committed to creating a safe space where you can feel heard and valued.
Whether you're dealing with stress, personal challenges, or simply want someone to talk to, I want to be a resource that helps you feel less alone in the process. I’ve been where you are, and I know how important it is to have someone who can relate and offer guidance with compassion.
I’m passionate about behavioral and mental health, community involvement, and empowerment, and I’m here to offer any support you might need whether that’s helping with resources, suggesting self-care practices, or just being a friendly ear.
Raeona Amadi
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Raeona Amadi is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate, experienced case manager, and proud Portland, Oregon native. With years of lived experience in recovery, Raeona brings both professional expertise and personal insight to her work supporting survivors and individuals navigating complex systems.
Her approach is rooted in empathy, resilience, and empowerment. Having walked her own path of recovery, she understands firsthand the barriers many clients face and uses that understanding to build authentic, trust-based relationships. Raeona specializes in advocacy, safety planning, resource coordination, and strengths-based case management, meeting individuals where they are and supporting them toward stability and self-determination.
Deeply connected to the Portland community, Raeona is passionate about advancing trauma-informed care, promoting equity, and helping survivors reclaim their power. She believes healing is possible and is committed to walking alongside others as they rebuild their lives with dignity and hope.
Meshauna
Anthony Bradley
Our Board
La’Shawanta Spears-Hardy
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La’Shawanta Spears-Hardy graduated from Portland State University in 2000, with a BA in Speech Communications. Later returning to George Fox University, earning a MA in School Counseling. After working in the David Douglas School District for 10 years, she decided to return to school and pursue her IAL in School Administration. La’Shawanta has served as a David Douglas SD Assistant Principal for seven years, recently transitioning to District Office. She now serves as the Director of Diversity Equity and Inclusion. She hopes to return to school in effort to obtain her PhD in School Leadership or Restorative Practice.
La’Shawanta has a deep love and commitment to Conflict Resolution. She strives to support all students around resolving conflict, while providing students with the language to successfully problem solve-by implementing a non-violence approach. She has served as the building PBIS (Positive Behavior Support) coordinator, building level SBAC (Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium) leader; COSA Equity support, all while maintain the day-to-day responsibilities of a building level assistant principal. Her recent position as the Director of DEI, has allowed the opportunity to support the implementation of the David Douglas Equity/Strategic Plan. La’Shawanta also oversees the DDSD Grown Your Own Program, where the district aims to recruit, employ, support, retain and continue to develop a workforce that is racially diverse and culturally responsive in all employee groups, in accordance to state law and beyond.
As she purses the role as President of Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) La’Shawanta will bring not only the qualities already listed but many more. Strong relationships with 2,400 school administrators, managers and executives, contributes to her vision and values as a leader and educator. She would continue driving the importance of school and students ahead of self-interest.
La’Shawanta is the proud mother of; Dwightaye (24), Monnie (22), Amira (16) and the wife of De’Shawn Hardy.
Cathy Sherick
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Cathy’s story begins in Spokane and unfolds in Portland where she met her husband, they have called the Hazelwood neighborhood home raising two sons who attended David Douglas, Eastern Oregon University (Go Mounties) and Oregon State University (Go Beavs) With an undergraduate degree in education and a graduate degree in public administration a varied and diverse career in higher education and local government has been often been challenging, but highly rewarding.
Master partnership and program developer, Cathy has produced large events, promotional videos, courses and curriculums in addition to managing numerous community recreation and education programs and services. She has served on the boards of Human Solutions, (now Our Just Future) Metro East Learning Academy and East Metro Arts, Culture and Community and volunteered with David Douglas schools, St. Joseph the Worker Parish and Play Grow Learn building connectedness and having fun. A devotee of the Oregon coast Cathy prefers the outdoors; hiking and gardening (poorly) and attending local festivals and events where she has been known to eat fried food and dance.
Sunny Briscoe
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Sunny Briscoe, MPA, joined WomenFirst's Board of Directors in 2024. Sunny is dedicated to resolving Social Justice issues and supporting Environmental Stewardship. Currently, she works as the Director of Finance & Policy for El Jardin Recovery Centers, a non-profit dedicated to providing culturally and linguistically specific Peer services for the Latinx community. Sunny brings her expertise in Finance, Operations, Human Resources, and Development for the enrichment of WomenFirst's clients. She is a mother of two and enjoys the outdoors and gardening.
Monta Knudson
Tamisha Wison
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Timisha Wilson was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from the University of Oregon with her Bachelors in Business Administration in 2003 and then received her Masters in Social Work from Portland State University in 2012.
Her passion is in serving youth and adults going through life transitions. She has over two decades of experience working with youth, adults, & families involved in the family and juvenile court systems, as well as the foster care system, and she's worked with adults involved in intervention programs who have engaged as the victim or aggressor of domestic violence. She also currently works half-time for a local school district in K-12 Education.
Minister Leor Beverly
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Minister Leor Beverly is a wife, devoted mother of 12, community leader, and advocate for women and families. She is passionate about helping people find healing, regain stability, and move forward with confidence and purpose.
Professionally, Leor serves as an Associate Director of Housing Programs, supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness across Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas Counties. Her work focuses on helping people connect with resources and move toward stable, permanent housing. She believes everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and compassion and to have the opportunity to begin again.
Leor is especially committed to encouraging women through connection, collaboration, and practical support. She enjoys creating spaces where women can grow, build confidence, and support one another through life’s challenges. One of her greatest joys is reaching back to help another woman get back on her feet and reminding her that her story is still unfolding.
Her faith shapes the way she serves and the hope she carries into her work. Across her professional and community roles, Leor strives to lead with compassion, show up for others, and help create opportunities for people to thrive.
Her guiding belief is simple: reach back, help the next woman stand, and make room for her to move forward.
Thank you for the reminder! I am looking for a photo and will send it over soon.
Aniel Yates
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Aniel Yates serves as a Pastor and Human Resources Professional with a passion for serving others, empowering individuals, and strengthening communities. Aniel has a heart for leadership, mentorship, and helping people reach their full potential. As a member of the Women’s First Board of Directors, Aniel is committed to supporting the organization’s mission of empowering women, fostering growth, and creating opportunities for women to thrive.
WomenFirst is looking for new board members! Learn more below.
