Hey everyone! As you may have already heard, I’m leaving my position as Executive Director here at Oregon Walks, and my last day is coming up at the end of this year. I wanted to take a moment to let you know how much I’ve enjoyed my time here—and you’ve played a part in that.
In only two years, Oregon Walks has done some really impactful work; that I am really proud of! Through our advocacy, and a huge lift from the community, we were successful in the jurisdictional transfer of 82nd Ave. Oregon Walks is now leading a coalition to reimagine how 82nd could work better for people. We also created We Walk: A Black Walking Initiative and our Walking School Bus/ Corner Greeters programs. In that short amount of time we were able to make an impact in how we engage with the Black community and put a spotlight on the need for more funding for alternative methods in getting our kids to school.
None of the work mentioned above would not be possible without the support of our staff, board of directors, volunteers, and community partners; a huge thank you!. I also want to thank AARP, PBOT, Metro, Multnomah County REACH, APANO, Verde, Unite Oregon, Getting There Together, Alzheimer’s Association, The Street Trust, Portland Fruit Tree Project, Black Community of Portland, Imagine Black, 1000 Friends, Washington County, Coalition of Communities of Color, the Community Cycling Center, America Walks, Play Grow Learn, and Beyond Black! Without those partnerships and support, a lot of the programming we have offered would not be possible.
It’s been so great working with you all! This is not “good-bye” but rather I will see you at the next leg of the walk!
Ashton Simpson, Executive Director
Oregon Walks