Our Story

Driving Lasting Change Through Collective Action

For over 20 years, SVP Portland has been at the forefront of collaborative philanthropy, bringing people together to solve some of our region’s toughest challenges. Founded in 2000, we are a group of engaged donors and skilled volunteers committed to building a thriving Portland — one bold partnership at a time.

Our members contribute financial resources, time, talent, and connections. They partner closely with mission-driven organizations to increase their capacity, strengthen their operations, and expand their impact. This hands-on approach is what makes SVP unique.

How We Work: Funding + Expertise
+ Partnership

At SVP Portland, we believe that real, sustainable change comes through collective action. That’s why we don’t just write grants — we roll up our sleeves and get involved.

Our members serve as trusted advisors to community leaders, sharing their expertise in strategy, finance, operations, and organizational growth. Whether it's coaching an executive director, refining a financial model, or helping expand into new communities, we build deep, enduring relationships that accelerate results.

We also unlock cross-sector collaboration — connecting community leaders, educators, funders, and policy advocates to align efforts and drive systems-level change. This is how we magnify impact — together.

Our Focus: Early Education for all Children

Right now, our collective energy is focused on one of the most powerful levers for long-term change: access to high-quality preschool.

In 2013, we made early childhood education our primary focus after seeing how many children — especially in communities that face significant barriers to preschool access — were being left behind. Today, we work hand-in-hand with local preschool providers, helping them grow, adapt, and serve more families. We’ve also played a key role in influencing greater public and private funding for early childhood education, helping Oregon move closer to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive through early learning.

story

Since 2013, we have supported:

33

Community-based Organizations

9,000

Children served by SVP-supported community organizations

30,000

Children reached through programs we have championed

Why It Matters: From Charity to Transformation

We know that the best solutions come from the community — from the people who experience the issues every day and have the vision to create change. By partnering with SVP Portland, you help amplify those voices, backing leaders who already know what their neighborhoods need.

This isn’t charity. It’s transformation — grounded in trust, powered by relationships, and focused on lasting outcomes.

Join SVP Portland and help create a brighter tomorrow. Because together, we change lives.

Goal

SVP Portland's goal is to ensure that all children — regardless of race, ethnicity, wealth, religion, gender, or zip code — have high-quality, culturally-relevant preschool.

mission

Board and Staff

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

We believe in stewarding the time, money, and trust invested in our mission with purpose, efficiency, and heart. Our small but mighty team is driven by a shared belief in the power of community-rooted change and a commitment to expanding access and opportunity in early childhood education. We lead with empathy, cultural humility, and a relentless drive to maximize our impact.

Executive Director

Lauren Johnson

As Executive Director, Lauren Johnson leads SVP Portland with a focus on impact, equity, and innovation in early childhood education. Since stepping into the role in 2019, she has brought a deep commitment to collaborative philanthropy and community...

As Executive Director, Lauren Johnson leads SVP Portland with a focus on impact, equity, and innovation in early childhood education. Since stepping into the role in 2019, she has brought a deep commitment to collaborative philanthropy and community partnership. Lauren previously served as SVP’s Senior Vice President for Community Impact, where she guided strategy and oversaw capacity-building partnerships across the region.

Lauren’s career spans nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, and education, including roles at Thrive Foundation for Youth and as a Program Manager with Portland’s SUN Schools. She also taught kindergarten in Chile and served as a CASA case manager. A Portland native and fourth-generation Oregonian, Lauren holds a degree in Psychology from Williams College.

Outside of work, Lauren is an avid distance runner, cyclist, and hiker who finds joy exploring the Pacific Northwest. She’s equally at home baking bread on a rainy day as she is racing through a marathon course across the country.

Director of Community Impact

Carolina Castaneda del Rio

Carolina brings a wealth of experience in community health, nonprofit operations, and equity-driven leadership to her role at SVP Portland. Originally from Mexico, she began her career as a mental health counselor and later advanced to wellness program manager...

Carolina brings a wealth of experience in community health, nonprofit operations, and equity-driven leadership to her role at SVP Portland. Originally from Mexico, she began her career as a mental health counselor and later advanced to wellness program manager and COO at Hacienda CDC, one of SVP’s long-standing Community Partners.

Carolina holds a Master’s degree from Southern Oregon University and has led integrative health programs, built DEI-focused strategies, and founded her own coaching and consulting practice to support mission-aligned leaders. Her strategic insight and deep understanding of community needs shape SVP’s approach to impactful partnerships.

Carolina loves spending time with her daughter, walking in nature, dancing, and exploring Portland’s vibrant arts and food scene.

Community Impact Manager

Jenn Luevano Brummett

Jenn Luevano Brummett supports SVP’s community partnerships through a lens of restorative justice, collaborative learning, and global citizenship. Born in Winchester Bay, Oregon, Jenn’s journey has taken her across continents—from coordinating service-learning projects in...

Jenn Luevano Brummett supports SVP’s community partnerships through a lens of restorative justice, collaborative learning, and global citizenship. Born in Winchester Bay, Oregon, Jenn’s journey has taken her across continents—from coordinating service-learning projects in Nicaragua to pursuing peacebuilding work across Asia and Central America.

Currently completing a Master’s in Conflict Resolution and certified in Collaborative Governance, Jenn brings expertise in nonviolent communication, mediation, and organizational learning. She plays a key role in supporting SVP’s equity-centered initiatives and partner engagement.

Outside of work, Jenn enjoys yoga, dancing, writing, and spending time with her adventure cat. She is passionate about life-long learning and fostering spaces for healing and connection.

Director of Resource Development

Ursula Garcia

Ursula Garcia leads SVP’s Partner engagement and resource development, drawing on more than two decades of experience in talent strategy, leadership development, and nonprofit governance. Before joining SVP, she held senior roles in the tech sector, including Diversity Manager...

Ursula Garcia leads SVP’s Partner engagement and resource development, drawing on more than two decades of experience in talent strategy, leadership development, and nonprofit governance. Before joining SVP, she held senior roles in the tech sector, including Diversity Manager and Director of Manager Experience Programs, while also serving as a trustee and past chair of the Oregon French International School Board.

Originally from South Africa, Ursula’s international perspective and collaborative leadership style have enriched SVP’s ability to connect with diverse stakeholders. She is passionate about creating inclusive spaces and expanding SVP’s reach through strategic relationship-building.

Ursula finds balance through gardening, baking, and hiking Oregon’s forests. Her greatest joy is cheering on her two college-aged children and bringing her creativity to every project she touches.

Development & Events Coordinator

Polly Luttrell

Polly Luttrell brings 15 years of experience in project management, nonprofit event coordination, and community engagement to SVP Portland. With a background in Liberal Studies and a CAPM certification, she has led successful fundraising campaigns and awareness efforts...

Polly Luttrell brings 15 years of experience in project management, nonprofit event coordination, and community engagement to SVP Portland. With a background in Liberal Studies and a CAPM certification, she has led successful fundraising campaigns and awareness efforts for causes including childhood cancer research and youth support services.

Originally from rural Ohio, Polly was drawn to Oregon’s natural beauty and vibrant nonprofit community. At SVP, she oversees logistics, development efforts, and events that deepen Partner engagement and highlight the organization’s impact.

Polly is an avid gardener, writer, and reader who finds joy in slow walks, wildflowers, and time with her two spirited cats.

Finance & Operations Manager

Kristin Kanan

Kristin Kanan ensures the financial health and operational excellence of SVP Portland. Her professional background spans nonprofit finance, marketing, and project management, most recently serving as Director of Finance and Operations at Northwest Outward Bound School...

Kristin Kanan ensures the financial health and operational excellence of SVP Portland. Her professional background spans nonprofit finance, marketing, and project management, most recently serving as Director of Finance and Operations at Northwest Outward Bound School.

Kristin’s approach is both strategic and systems-oriented—focused on strengthening SVP’s internal infrastructure to maximize community impact. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to Portland in 2015 to be closer to nature and the community she now calls home.

When not diving into financial reports, Kristin enjoys board games, gardening, and cheering on the Portland Timbers with her family and rescue pups.

Bookkeeper

Karla Sanchez

Karla Sanchez supports SVP’s financial systems with precision and heart. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Portland, Karla is a first-generation college graduate with a dual degree in Accounting and Finance from Portland State University.

She has held accounting leadership...

Karla Sanchez supports SVP’s financial systems with precision and heart. Born in Lima, Peru and raised in Portland, Karla is a first-generation college graduate with a dual degree in Accounting and Finance from Portland State University.

She has held accounting leadership roles at community-based organizations such as Hacienda CDC and Neighborhood House, and she co-founded a small business to provide financial education and services to Latino entrepreneurs. Karla believes in demystifying accounting and helping communities thrive through financial empowerment.

In her spare time, Karla enjoys movie nights with her daughter, nature walks with her two dogs, and playing music alongside her husband in their Cuban band, Dina y los Rumberos.

Board of Directors

Rob Aslett, Board Chair

Larry Fox, Director - Bala (Sudarshan) Cadambi, Director - Charlie Gilkey, Director
Eva Maribona, Director - Erin Stevanus, Director

Working Teams

In 2022, we transitioned to a shared leadership structure that decentralizes decision-making and centers community voices. Core teams—including Portfolio Management, Finance, and Marketing & Development—bring together diverse perspectives and subject-matter expertise to make decisions that are outcomes-focused, collaborative, and grounded in real community needs. This model allows us to adapt quickly and remain accountable to the partners we serve.

Together, our staff, board, and leadership teams represent a deeply engaged network of changemakers dedicated to reimagining what philanthropy can look like—community-led, equity-driven, and impact-focused. Whether you're a potential investor partner, donor, or future community partner, you can trust that your resources will be managed with integrity, transparency, and a profound commitment to creating lasting change for Portland’s youngest learners."