2026 OCHA Regular Commission Meeting Schedule
Public invited to attend - Please register using the links below:
August 13, 2026 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CLICK HERE
October 8, 2026 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CLICK HERE
December 10, 2026 | 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM CLICK HERE
The Governor is committed to ensuring that all Boards and Commissions represent the growing age, racial and gender diversity of the state. This is an amazing opportunity to pool our collective viewpoints, visions and hopes for Oregon - and all residents are welcome and encouraged to serve.
If you are interested in serving on this commission, please follow the link: OCHA - Commission Member Application
Our vision:
We serve the people of Oregon to empower and support Latinos through our special roles as policy advisors to Oregon state policy makers and leaders. The OCHA is a catalyst that empowers partnerships between state government and Hispanic communities in rural and urban areas to ensure success for all Latinos by addressing issues at the policy level.
Our mission:
Organized in its current role under Governor Atiyeh, and serving 7 administrations, the mission of the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs is to work toward economic, social, political and legal equality for Oregon´s Hispanic population.
Our principles and Values:
- Equity for Hispanic Oregonians in jobs and the economy, education, health, safety, family stability, environment, and civic engagement.
- Equal treatment and protection against discrimination.
- Access to helpful information on services and available resources.
- Working in partnership on research and policy analysis of longstanding issues and barriers to success within the Hispanic community statewide.
- Inclusion of viewpoints of the Hispanic community in policy making at the state level.
- Celebration of and awareness about the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Oregonians.
Our Statutory Goals and Strategic Priorities
- Advocate for equitable policies assuring the success of Latino and Hispanic Oregonians at the state level.
- Engage community and state partners to promote equity for Latinos statewide.
- Study and analyze issues affecting the Hispanic community statewide and recommend policy remedies to state policy makers.
- Grow and develop leaders the Hispanic community at the state level in all branches.
- Increase the viability and visibility of the contributions and achievements of Hispanic Oregonians statewide.
OCHA is actively engaged in its statutory work focused on 7 Strategic Priorities each biennium. These are:
- Education
- Jobs and the economy
- Healthcare
- Justice, safety and policing
- Stable families and housing
- Environmental Justice/Equity
- Civic engagement
Meet the Commissioners
Portland, OR
Isaiah
Katya Butler is a proud Latin Indigenous queer femme and neurodivergent
activist, community organizer, instructor, and business owner. Over the last
5 years, they owned and operated a BIPOC/LGBTQ+/femme/neurodivergent centric
company called Klip Klop Events and Productions, which provides event, media
and resourcing/advocacy services for those communities in Portland! They have produced hundreds of
events, raised thousands of dollars, and especially over the last three
years, has provided resources, media accessibility and mutual aid for
hundreds of individuals.
And as a purveyor of community engagement and creativity, they strongly
believe that community, health and activism is best when it's multi faceted,
inclusive and unconventional! They prioritize diversity, equity, and
inclusivity and foster a variety spaces, leaders and organizations that are
safe, mindful and celebrate our differences and potentials for the inherent
good, abundance, and success in everyone!
Motto: The future is bright with you in it! |
Portland
Nina Gallo is a third-generation queer Latina living in Portland, Oregon. As an activist, advocate, and student, Nina believes in deconstructing the current oppressive systems in place and reimagining a better future for all. A recent graduate of Portland State University, Nina is continuing her education, pursuing a graduate degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice. They are deeply committed to addressing the challenges of mass incarceration through innovative research aimed at reforming criminal justice policies and promoting alternatives to imprisonment.
In 2023, Nina contributed to House Bill 2955, which designated August 4th as Bracero Program Day in Oregon. She is passionate about bringing recognition to Latine Oregonians and serving as a conduit for change. Working at Portland State’s Resource Center for Students with Children and volunteering with Multnomah County’s Department of Community Justice, Nina has dedicated themselves to being in service to their community and those who have been strategically marginalized.
In their free time, Nina loves to ride the bus, listen to music, and hang out with the neighborhood cats
Portland
Ozzie is an artist, a problem solver, and a change agent. Trained as an Environmental Scientist and as an Architect, Ozzie has spent his 25-year career journey dedicated to advancing the practice of sustainable and equitable development in communities throughout the US and Latin America. Using his background in the performing arts, Ozzie utilizes story, music, and narrative style to humanize even the most technical subject matter and capture the imaginations of clients and audiences alike.
Ozzie has worked in the construction and design industry throughout his career. He has been involved in sustainable design projects, equitable contracting, and now owns his own consulting practice dedicated to helping clients implement strategies to confront the challenges posed by changes in technology, policy, and culture. In addition to running his own consulting practice—P3 Consulting—Ozzie serves as the Board President for Trimet, Portland’s regional transportation authority.
Salem
Nancy Ayala holds a degree in Communication Sciences with a focus on photography and digital advertising. Currently, she is engaged in work within the realms of radio and digital media, where she specializes in crafting content strategies tailored to the Spanish-speaking community across Oregon. Before relocating to the Willamette Valley, she carved out a professional career in Mexico City, gaining invaluable experience with companies like SAP, Grupo Imagen, and various advertising agencies.
Her journey has been marked by a transition from journalism to content creation, during which she has assisted businesses and community organizations, such as Radio Poder 98.3 FM and Mano a Mano Family Center, in connecting with the Hispanic market. Her strategies extend beyond language, encompassing culture and trends to foster a deeper connection. For those interested in delving further into her background please visit her LinkedIn profile that offers a more comprehensive overview of her curriculum.
Beyond her professional pursuits, she cherishes free time, often spending it hiking with her three dogs and indulging in movies known for their captivating narratives and stunning photography. She is eager to bring her diverse experiences and expertise to the Oregon Commission on Hispanic Affairs to advance the well-being of our Hispanic community in Oregon or as she likes to say 'oregonianos'.
Salem
Born and raised in Oregon, Patricia Martinez is a Mexican American Latina of Indigenous roots. Her parents immigrated to this country from Mexico City and Guanajuato. Patricia’s journey in the workforce began in the fields at age 7. She was given a glimpse of her parent’s efforts to sustain a life in the US and was driven by their work ethic and dreams to obtain a higher education and pursue a career.
Patricia was the first in her family to attend a University and in 2014 she graduated with a Master’s degree in Social Work with a Clinical focus. Throughout her career, Patricia has held positions supporting school districts to create mental health programs in rural communities focusing on the BIPOC population, implementation of trauma informed practices, organized and directed leadership and administration in the establishment of racial equity trainings, policies and regulations, all while gathering the voices of the students and families of the community to drive the work. In 2018, Patricia developed an equity curriculum which would give primarily BIPOC students, the opportunity to build community in a predominately white district, and lead racial equity work in their school, while receiving credit towards graduation. In 2019 she received her LCSW and continued to work independently.
Patricia is currently a clinical supervisor for MSW students, continues to provide mental health services, and is a crisis and trauma responder to several business establishments in Salem, Portland, Hillsboro, Eugene, Corvallis, Albany, and surrounding areas. Patricia also conducts mental health and equity consultation to leadership and Human Resources in many of these establishments.
Although Patricia’s professional title is Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Patricia views herself as a “light worker”. Where she spreads light in various spaces, and has the opportunity to be a reflection to others and support the discovery of their inner light; a light that has been dimmed for some time.
Salem
En español:
Matías Trejo De Dios reside en Salem y trabaja para el Estado de Oregón desde 1997. Es fundador y embajador cultural del Instituto de Cultura Oregoniana (ICO) y fundador de El Grupo ERG.
Fue coordinador de la obra Los orígenes hispanos de Oregón, publicada por Western Oregon University, y ha coordinado delegaciones oregonianas en presentaciones académicas e institucionales en México, el Perú y España.
Ha formado parte de la Oregon Heritage Commission, el Willamette Education Service District (WESD), el Consejo de Cultura y Turismo de la Ciudad de Salem y la Asociación Cultural de Woodburn. También es miembro de la División Norte de la Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF). Su labor se centra en fortalecer la participación cívica, preservar el patrimonio histórico y cultural de Oregón y promover la identidad oregoniana y el idioma español como activos culturales, sociales y económicos para el estado.
In English:
Matías Trejo De Dios lives in Salem and has worked for the State of Oregon since 1997. He is the Founder and Cultural Ambassador of Instituto de Cultura Oregoniana (ICO) and the founder of El Grupo ERG. He coordinated the book Hispanic Origins of Oregon, published by Western Oregon University, and has led Oregon delegations for academic and institutional presentations in Mexico, Peru, and Spain.
He has served on the Oregon Heritage Commission, the Willamette Education Service District (WESD), the City of Salem Cultural and Tourism Advisory Board, and the Asociación Cultural de Woodburn. He is also a member of the Northern Division of the Royal Chicano Air Force (RCAF). His work focuses on strengthening civic participation, preserving Oregon's historical and cultural heritage, and promoting the Oregoniana identity and the Spanish language as valuable cultural, social, and economic assets for the state.
Aloha
WLnsvey (wins-vay) Campos represents Oregon Senate District 18 which includes Aloha, South Hillsboro, and Beaverton. Wlnsvey was raised in Bandon, Oregon by a single father in a low-income household. As the proud daughter of immigrants, she was confronted as a child with the disparity between those who were afforded opportunities and those who were not, regardless of how hard they worked. Senator Campos previously represented Oregon House District 28. When she first assumed office on January 11, 2021, she became the youngest woman ever elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. In 2022, she was elected to the Oregon State Senate, becoming the youngest State Senator in Oregon history. In addition to her position as a legislator, she has formerly worked as a housing case manager and currently works to support school-based health systems in her second job.
Senator Campos has championed progressive policies that center the most vulnerable Oregonians. She has worked to expand access to healthcare, address food insecurity, and tackle issues tied to housing instability. As the former Vice Chair of the House Housing Committee, she has helped to allocate hundreds of millions of dollars in financial assistance to landlords, tenants, and community organizers to address the State’s housing crisis. As the current co-chair of the Ways and Means Human Services subcommittee, she has prioritized investments in behavioral health, community-based care services, and early childhood resources.
Woodburn
Laura E. Isiordia was born and raised in Mexico and immigrated to the United States at age 18. As a former farmworker and survivor of domestic violence, she has dedicated her life to advocating for immigrant, farmworker, Latino, and Spanish-speaking communities.
For more than 30 years, Laura has worked in community health, housing, leadership development, and family support. She served as the first Executive Director of the CAPACES Leadership Institute, helping build a statewide leadership development organization for farmworkers and immigrant communities. Since 2017, she has served as a Field Coordinator with The Ford Family Foundation, supporting rural community development and leadership initiatives across Oregon.
Laura lives and works in the Woodburn area and is passionate about helping communities build leadership, advocate for their needs, and create lasting change.
In her free time, she enjoys music, dancing, singing, and swimming in rivers and the ocean.
Portland, OR
Representative Ricki Ruiz, one of Oregon's youngest state legislators, proudly represents House District 50, encompassing Gresham and East Portland. Born in Portland and raised in Gresham by immigrant parents, Ricki attended Reynolds School District, becoming the first in his family to graduate high school.
He earned his B.S. in Social Entrepreneurship from Portland Community College & Warner Pacific University in 2016. As a college student, Ricki co-founded the Rockwood Initiative, securing over $100,000 to build futsal courts in the community. Elected as the youngest school board member in Reynolds School District in 2017, Ricki is now dedicated to serving the constituents of House District 50 and advancing policies in education, housing, immigration, climate, racial justice, healthcare, and the economy. As the Co-Chair of the Oregon BIPOC Caucus, Ricki successfully secured several budget allocations, including $5 million for Individual Development Accounts and funding for initiatives like Water Equity, Employment Related Day Care, Albina Vision Trust, and others.
He currently serves as the Chair of the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Education and the House Committee and vice-chair of the House Committee on Higher Education. He is a member of the Committee on Economic Development and Small Business.