A man of heart and passion, a reputable activist, Stephen Ying’s dedication and involvement with the community has brought forth positive results for the Portland community. His efforts span the scope of raising money for the American Red Cross in support of the earthquake in China to working with Travel Portland to promote our city as a destination for Chinese tourist and investors. Stephen stands for change and progress. He invests and provides his time freely for the betterment of the community.

The service that Stephen has been involved in crosses many platforms that include being on several Boards of Directors, Associations, and Committees –

 

Mari Watanabe is the Executive Director of the Oregon Nikkei Endowment (ONE), a non-profit that preserves the history and culture of the Japanese Americans in Oregon. Prior to joining ONE, Ms. Watanabe worked for 25 years in the apparel field with major brand labels where her work took her primarily to Asia, Europe and Central America. In her work with ONE, she has expanded the educational focus to a more diverse audience which includes educating Japanese students about the World War II internment experience. She sits on professional and community boards including Friends of Minidoka, the Japanese Ancestral Society; the steering committee of the National Veterans Network, Japan Related Organizations Committee; and advisory board of the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon (APANO). Ms. Watanabe received her BA from Washington State University, and has completed various leadership trainings, including the Leadership Education for Asian Pacific (LEAP) Executive Directors program and the Center for Asian Pacific American Women (CAPAW) APAWLI leadership program. Born and raised in Seattle, Washington, Mari moved to Portland in the year 2000.

Ping Khaw-Sutherland - Portland

 

Ping Khaw-Sutherland has participated in Asian and multicultural activities in Portland as a leader, a participant and advocate—and often as a professional artist. For the last 20 years she herself has designed and conducted cross cultural workshops, seminars, exhibitions, trainings and outreach efforts geared to many Asian and Middle Eastern populations. She has worked as the U.S. Census 2010 Partnership and Media Specialist under the U.S. Department of Commerce. Currently, she is growing an import-export business where she’s trying to build cross cultural opportunities for her own company in much the same way she does in the community. She is also the president for the Asian Pacific American Chamber of Commerce of Oregon and SW Washington.

Michelle Vlach-Ing is an attorney in private practice with Crowell Ing, a Law Firm in Salem Oregon. She obtained her bachelor degree at the University of Hawaii in 1998 and her Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law in 2001.

 

Michelle’s practice consists of acquisitions of trademark and copyright registrations and litigation in the state and federal courts, as well as international arbitration. She has tried or managed case cases involving contract disputes, patent infringement litigation, trademark and trade dress infringements, copyright infringement, cybersquatting, antitrust, business and employment law.

Her interests include cooking, hiking, camping, SCUBA and traveling.