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.

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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.

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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.

 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.

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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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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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.

 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.

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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.

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

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.

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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.

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

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.

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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.

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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.