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Mari Watanabe

Elected Leader | Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Advocate | Facilitator

Mari Watanabe is the Vice Chair of the Portland Community College (PCC) Board of Directors, representing Zone 4 which includes Northwest and Downtown Portland.12 She was appointed to the board in 2023 and elected as vice chair for the 2024-25 academic year.2

Watanabe has lived in the Portland Metro region for over 23 years, moving from Seattle in 2000.1 Her career spans both the corporate and nonprofit sectors:

  1. She worked in the apparel industry for 25 years, including positions at Nike, Nordstrom, and Union Bay Sportswear.1
  2. In 2008, she transitioned to the nonprofit sector, serving as the first executive director of the Japanese Museum of Oregon.1
  3. From 2012 to 2023, she worked at Partners In Diversity, eventually becoming its full-time executive director.13

As executive director of Partners In Diversity, Watanabe oversaw the organization's growth from 40 to 400 employer members and increased staff to six full-time positions.1 The organization focuses on helping employers recruit, support, and retain professionals of color in Oregon and southwest Washington.1

Watanabe has been recognized with several awards, including:

  • FBI Community Service award
  • Lifetime Achievement Award by the Oregon Commission for Women
  • Community Service Award by the NAACP
  • Ted Yamamura Leadership Award by Executive Development Institute1

She has also served on various boards and commissions, including the Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the Beaverton Diversity Advisory Board, and the City Club of Portland.1

Watanabe retired from her position at Partners In Diversity in April 20233, shortly before joining the PCC Board of Directors.

Highlights

Jul 18 · pcc.edu
PCC Board Selects New Leadership - Portland Community College
Jul 1 · pcc.edu
Board members | Board of Directors at PCC
Board members | Board of Directors at PCC

Related Questions

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Mari Watanabe
Mari Watanabe, photo 1
Mari Watanabe, photo 2
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Location

Portland, Oregon, United States