WASHINGTON COUNTY

Photo credit: M.O. Stevens / Wikimedia Commons

Recommended Events, Training, & Engagement Opportunities ...

Recommended Events, Training, & Engagement Opportunities ...

WASHINGTON COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Applications Due:
August 1st

Leadership Hillsboro Application (2025-2026)

Join the program to develop essential leadership and communication skills, and form lasting connections through immersive experiences, collaborative learning, and real-world engagement.

See full program details and the schedule HERE

Share Your Thoughts!

Please tell City of Beaverton about your experiences getting around Beaverton.

Take Survey | Responder encuesta

Survey closes on September 15th.

UNITED WE HEAL: CAREER PATHWAYS
Apprenticeship and Training Programs for Healthcare Professionals

LEARN MORE

Interested/Questions? Contact Krishna Anan at krishna@uniteoregon.org

#EconomicJustice #WorkforceDevelopment

JULY 2025

Wed, July 9, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Post Session Town Hall 2025

Via Zoom

We’ll break down the outcomes of this year’s Legislative Session and share what’s next in our fight for a more just and equitable Oregon. Come learn, reflect, and build with us as we look ahead. This will be an online meeting over Zoom. The Zoom link will be sent to you by email once you've registered.

By Unite Oregon Policy Action Team

REGISTER

Sat, July 12, 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM

2025 Oregon Legislative Debrief – Bills Impacting Immigrant & Refugee Communities

Via Zoom

We will reflect on legislative wins, challenges, and lessons from the 2025 Oregon Legislative Session. Together, we’ll discuss how these policy outcomes shape our communities and how we continue to build power for lasting change.

By Unite Oregon, Innovation Law Lab, and Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement

REGISTER

Sat-Sun, July 12-13, 1:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Legendary Makers Market III

Outside at the Round
12600 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005
Inside at the Patricia Reser Center
12625 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005

The Legendary Makers Market has quickly grown into a full-blown festival featuring an open-air night market—and due to popular demand, it’s coming back next summer! Scheduled for July 12–13, the event will take place outdoors at The Round in Beaverton and indoors at the Patricia Reser Center for the Performing Arts. This time, we’re preparing for an even more focused and intentional experience.

By Asian American Town, in partnership with the City of Beaverton, the Beaverton Education Foundation, and Explore Tualatin Valley

Fri, July 18 - Sun, July 27

Washington County Fair
FREE ADMISSION

Westside Commons
(Formerly Washington County Fair Complex)
801 NE 34th Ave Hillsboro, OR 97124

Fair Hours & Date

Fair Schedule

Sat, July 19, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Repair Fair event in Washington County

Garden Home Community Library
7475 SW Oleson Rd, Portland, OR 97223

Repair Fairs help the community create connections, learn skills, reduce waste and save money. If you have nothing to repair but still want to be involved, sign up to be an event volunteer!

Sat, July 19, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Children's Entrepreneur Market

The Round
12600 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005

The Children’s Entrepreneur Market is an award-winning program that teaches young people about the power of entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership through experiential learning. Roughly 50 young entrepreneurs will be setting up booths in front of City Hall before and during Ten Tiny Dances, so build in some time to stop by and check out their wares!

Sat, July 19, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Ten Tiny Dances®

The Round
12600 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005

Ten Tiny Dances® showcases a powerful mix of contemporary and traditional dance, all performed on a stage just four feet by four feet. Expect to be surprised, moved, and inspired as talented choreographers and performers bring public spaces to life—highlighting the vibrant cultural and artistic diversity of our community.

  • RITUAL AZTECA HUITZILOPOCHTLI | Traditional Aztec

  • BEN YOUNGSTONE, HANNAH DAVIS, AND GABRIEL GAFFNEY SMITH | Contemporary Ballet / Contemporary Dance

  • CYDNEY WILKES | Contemporary / Walking With Ocean (WWO)

  • SARADA KALA NILAYAM | A dancing dialogue between two Indian Classical Dance forms

  • RANDEE PAUFVE AND MIKE BARBER | Contemporary Dance-Theater

  • KRUBEL AMARE | Ethiopian Traditional Dance

  • HANNAH KRAFCIK AND KENNY FRECHETTE | Contemporary / “two kids share a room”

  • KENYA MÁRQUEZ | Authentic Mexican Folkloric Dance

  • ANDREA PARSON | Interdisciplinary: contemporary, clown, storytelling

  • MINH TRAN | Contemporary / Samsara

Sun, July 20, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Children's Entrepreneur Market at the Washington County Fair

Washington County Fair
801 NE 34th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97124

Come have fun at the local fair with over 10,000 people per day! The entry is free for everyone so stop by the Children’s Entrepreneur Market and see what your local kids are creating. Then enjoy fair fun! We anticipate 20,000 patrons at this event!

AUGUST 2025

Fri, Aug. 1, 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Care & Connect Wellness Clinic

Beaverton Resource Center
13565 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005

By Beaverton Resource Center, in partnership with Kaiser Permanente and Medical Teams International
Interested/Questions? Call Beaverton Resource Center’s Care to Share at (503) 591-9025

Sat, Aug. 2, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Repair Fair event in Washington County

Sherwood Public Library
22560 SW Pine St, Sherwood, OR 97140

Repair Fairs help the community create connections, learn skills, reduce waste and save money. If you have nothing to repair but still want to be involved, sign up to be an event volunteer!

Sat, Aug. 5, 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Children's Entrepreneur Market

Evelyn Schiffler Memorial Park
5495 SW Erickson Ave, Beaverton, OR 97005

What a great opportunity to meet your local police force and their K-9 friends! While meeting your neighbors support your local kidpreneurs from your own neighborhood! We anticipate 1,000 patrons at this event!

Wed, Aug. 6, 4:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Forest Grove Festival of the Arts

Adelante Mujeres
2030 Main St, Forest Grove, OR 97116

By Forest Grove Public Arts Commission (PAC) and Adelante Mujeres Farmers Market

Sat, Aug. 9, 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

La Guelaguetza

Shute Park
750 SE 8th Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123

​​La Guelaguetza, is an annual indigenous cultural event that takes place in the city of Hillsboro. The celebration centers on traditional dancing in costume in groups, and includes parades complete with indigenous walking bands, native food, and statewide artisanal crafts such as prehispanic-style textiles. Each traje and dance usually has a local indigenous historical and cultural meaning. Although the celebration is now an important tourist attraction, it also retains deep cultural importance for the peoples of the state and is important for the continuing survival of these cultures.

By Guelaguetza en Oregon

Sat, Aug. 9, 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Beaverton Night Market

The Round
12600 SW Crescent St, Beaverton, OR 97005

Join us for a vibrant and unforgettable evening at the annual Beaverton Night Market! This year, we're focusing our energy and resources into one spectacular night—bringing bigger performances, exciting activities, and an even more dynamic experience. While the number of vendors will stay about the same, the event footprint is expanding to include the plaza in front of City Hall, creating a more spacious and engaging environment for all.

Applications for 2026 will be available in March

Fri, Aug. 15, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

2025 Summer Family Resource Fair

Beaverton Resource Center
13565 SW Walker Rd, Beaverton, OR 97005

Join us for our annual carnival-style family resource fair.  Last year we served approximately 1,000 people during this event. We are dedicated to empowering clients through education and resources. 

  • 50+ Social Service Organizations: Connect with diverse organizations offering invaluable support.

  • Vision screening, OHP registration, HIV testings

  • Free School Supplies: Available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Enjoy face painting, games, and more.

  • Food and Refreshments: Enjoy snow cones, cotton candy, popcorn, and more!

Sat, Aug. 16, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Soul Stroll: Returning Home to Dawson Park

Dawson Park
1 N Stanton St, Portland, OR 97227

Soul Stroll is an annual event dedicated to promoting health awareness within the African American community.

Our aim is to provide accessible physical activity programs that enhance overall health and well-being, formerly hosted by the African American Health Coalition for 22 years.

We offer evidence-based health education and advocacy, with a strong emphasis on addressing chronic diseases such as diabetes, which disproportionately affect our community. Our primary goal is to prevent and delay the onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Sat, Aug. 23, 12:00 noon - 9:00 PM
Gates open at 11:30 AM

Beaverton Music Fest

Griffith Park
4731 SW Griffith Dr, Beaverton, OR 97005

Band Line-up
12:00 PM – Wildflowers & Whiskey (Classic Rock)
1:05 PM – Robert Henry and the Repeaters (Country)
2:20 PM – Conjunto Alegre (Latin)
3:35 PM – Glitter & Gasoline (Rock/Funk)
4:50 PM – Ben Rice & the PDX Hustle (Blues/Blues Rock)
6:05 PM – Ms. Vee & a Badass Band (Motown/R&B)
7:25 PM – Precious Byrd (High-Energy Covers)

SEPTEMBER 2025 & BEYOND

Fri-Sun, Sep. 12-21

Welcoming Week

Venue: Varied by event

National Welcoming Week is an annual series of events designed to bring together immigrants, refugees, and U.S.-born residents to raise awareness of the benefits of welcoming everyone. The week's activities celebrate the contributions of newcomers and provide opportunities to build cross-cultural relationships and understanding.

By City of Beaverton

Sat, Sep. 27, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Repair Fair event in Washington County

Cedar Mill Library
1080 NW Saltzman Rd, Portland, OR 97229

Repair Fairs help the community create connections, learn skills, reduce waste and save money. If you have nothing to repair but still want to be involved, sign up to be an event volunteer!

Unite Oregon

Stand Against Hate

Non-Emergency Bias Response Hotline
1-844-924-BIAS (1-844-924-2427)

Trauma-informed operators are standing by 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Pacific time, Monday – Friday. Access to interpretation in over 240 languages. After hours? Leave a message and we’ll return your call. We accept all Relay calls.

In times of crisis, it's crucial to be prepared and stay connected. For a comprehensive list of Disaster Shelters & Centers (Refugios y Sitios Durante el Desastre) and available resources in Washington County, please visit the following link: Disaster Shelters & Resources in Washington County

We encourage you to share this information with friends and family to help ensure the safety of our community.

Stay up-to-date on emergencies and critical community updates by signing up for Washington County Public Alerts. This notification system covers all areas within the county, delivering important messages straight to your phone, email, or through a call.

To receive these alerts, create an Everbridge account and add your contact details. For the best protection, we recommend each household member register individually. Sign up here.

Emergency Preparedness: Stay Informed, Stay Safe

Our Chapter

The Washington County Chapter of Unite Oregon focuses on key issues prioritized by our members. These include advocating for higher wages for workers, advancing racial justice by ending police profiling, fighting for the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees, addressing the affordable housing crisis, and promoting holistic community health and wellness.

We also work on planning and land use issues, improving transportation access and affordability, promoting economic justice for working women, advocating for environmental justice, and enhancing civic engagement. Our efforts are rooted in a racial justice perspective, with a strong emphasis on developing future leaders and building a robust movement for justice.

Our ongoing campaigns and initiatives aim to nurture new organizers and community leaders while maintaining a prominent leadership role within the community.

What are we working on right now?

Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition (SWEC) is a collaborative initiative involving community organizations, residents, businesses, philanthropic partners, and government bodies. Established as part of the Southwest Equitable Development Strategy (SWEDS) during planning for transit and light rail improvements in the Southwest Corridor, SWEC aims to address racial disparities, economic inequities, and displacement risks in the area. SWEC has experienced significant growth as more individuals and organizations recognize the importance of collective action in achieving the SWEDS vision: a livable, affordable community with a strong economy and reliable transportation for all.

Tualatin Valley Highway Equity Coalition (TEC)

Coalition Building | Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

The TV Highway Equity Coalition (TEC) was established in early 2022 to unite residents, commuters, small business owners, and direct service organizations in response to a transit project planned by Metro Regional Government and other agencies. TEC's initial focus was developing the TV Highway Corridor Equitable Development Strategy (TEDS), which aims to create a livable, affordable, and economically prosperous community with reliable and safe transportation options. The EDS seeks to address potential impacts of this infrastructure investment on historically underserved communities, primarily by preventing displacement and providing essential services and resources.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) Program (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

The DILL 2025 program, funded by the City of Hillsboro, is dedicated to training and empowering male-identifying Black or African immigrant and refugee living or working in Hillsboro, Aloha, and Beaverton. This program aligns with Unite Oregon’s mission to uplift BIPOC communities and reflects our commitment to centering Black lives through partnerships with Black-led nonprofits across Oregon. Using Unite Oregon’s proven community leadership curriculum, this year’s program will develop 12-18 emerging African male-identifying leaders, providing skills that build on their unique lived experiences as Black or immigrants and refugees.

City of Cornelius Downtown Development's Anti-Displacement Anti-Gentrification Strategy (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

In partnership with Unite Oregon and a Land Use Consultant, the City of Cornelius Downtown Development presents a comprehensive strategy focusing on four major elements: a Planning Phase, Support for Small Businesses, Housing Affordability/Ownership, and Community Development. This collaborative effort aims to address the challenges faced by marginalized communities, ensuring equity, inclusion, and resilience in the face of population growth and redevelopment.

Lombard West Property: Community Engagement for Equitable Development (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement

This community engagement project aims to support the City of Beaverton in preparing for and implementing an equitable process to select a property developer who will build regulated multifamily affordable housing units on the Lombard West site. The project is informed by and responds to the Beaverton Downtown Equity Strategy and the Beaverton Urban Redevelopment Area (BURA) Portfolio Redevelopment Strategy. The project consists of four phases: Pre-solicitation, Solicitation Evaluation, Post-Developer Solicitation, and Reporting & Program Evaluation. By fostering collaboration and engaging with diverse stakeholders, this initiative seeks to create inclusive and affordable housing solutions that align with the community's needs and aspirations.

Amity Orchards - Affordable Multifamily Housing in South Cooper Mountain, Beaverton by Wishcamper (2024-2025)

Leadership Development | Community Engagement | Community Organizing

This program emphasizes community engagement and leadership development, aiming to recruit and educate qualified applicants from diverse, multicultural backgrounds and marginalized communities. One key objective is to establish a Residents Advisory Council. This Council will collaborate with the Resident Services Coordinator, Wishcamper’s resident services partner Cornerstone Community Housing, and a developer representative.

Amity Orchards features 164 affordable homes spread across three buildings, intentionally designed to meet the needs of families and seniors. The housing offers a mix of senior and residential units for households earning less than 70% of the area median income (AMI). For more information, visit the project website at www.amityorchards.com, managed by Guardian, Wishcamper’s property management partner.

Community Commons Events

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Since March 2024, Unite Oregon has hosted Community Commons Events in welcoming spaces across Washington County. These gatherings aim to cultivate a Community of Learning and Sharing filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and connection thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.

2025 Events:

Unite Nights! at Bag&Baggage Productions (2024-2025)

After a successful collaboration last season, we are excited to begin our second year of partnership with Bag&Baggage Productions. This season, we have received 25 complimentary tickets to distribute to Unite Oregon members, supported by the City of Hillsboro.

Past Programs, Projects, and Campaigns:

Washington County Civic Leadership Program (2024)

This comprehensive leadership training program equips emerging leaders with essential skills in government, advocacy, and intercultural community organizing. Participants will learn power analysis, strategy development, and effective testimony delivery, while exploring transformative justice as an alternative approach to addressing community challenges. The program aims to cultivate a diverse cohort of leaders who will drive positive change in Washington County.

Unite Oregon Youth Expo (2023-2024)

The Unite Oregon Youth Expo promises to be an incredible event as we continue to support youth from historically underrepresented communities. Immerse yourself in engaging workshops, thought-provoking guest speakers, and fun activities like games and a photo booth. Unleash your creativity with hands-on crafts and connect with like-minded peers who share your passion for making a difference.

Annual United for Action Summit (2022-2024)

A full-day event featuring workshops, community-building activities, and discussions to shape our future legislative agenda. The summit brings together members from various chapters to share local issues, build skills in community organizing, and strategize for change at both the local and state levels. The 2024 agenda includes a welcome address, chapter discussions, workshops, networking opportunities, and a closing circle. Through this annual event, we aim to foster collaboration and create a united vision for a more just and equitable Oregon.

Unite Oregon Annual Action Agenda (2021-2023)

The Unite Oregon Action Agenda is an annual list of policy priorities voted on by its members during the Annual Action Agenda Summit. These priorities shape the organization's focus for each legislative session and fuel local and legislative campaigns. Unite Oregon Action is committed to building a unified political intercultural movement for justice in Oregon, led by immigrants, refugees, rural communities, and people experiencing poverty. Their values emphasize Black liberation, decolonization, and centering the needs of marginalized communities.

New Affordable Multifamily Housing Site on 209th Ave (Aloha) - Vision and Values

Community Engagement

This project focuses on community engagement and leadership development for a new affordable multifamily housing initiative in Aloha. Metro purchased three acres at 3140 SW 209th for this future complex. Starting in winter 2024, the Housing Authority of Washington County will plan the development, which will include 86 to 100 apartments for low-income households (30-60% of the area median income, about $34,000-$67,000 for a family of four). The complex will feature a mix of one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, along with on-site parking.

Dare to Invest in Learning to Lead (DILL) for African Women (2023)

In partnership with African Heritage Education Empowerment Community (AFRHEEC), Unite Oregon launched the first civic leadership program for emerging African women leaders in Washington County. The DILL program successfully supported participants in building relationships, gaining civic and political knowledge, and developing community organizing and leadership skills. Although the program has concluded, its positive impact on the community will continue to be felt.

Washington County ARPA Funds Advocacy (2023)

Washington County received $117 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds intended to support communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly those already experiencing economic and health inequities. However, recent reports suggest that the Washington County Board of Commissioners is considering allocating a portion of these funds to the local jail and a juvenile detention center. This decision is a clear misuse of resources as the funds were meant for investments in housing assistance, job development, health services, and other areas affected by the pandemic. The potential investment in the carceral system exacerbates systemic oppression and undermines the initial intent of providing relief to communities in need.

Washington County Equitable Housing Coalition (2020-2023)

This three-year community-organized coalition successfully educated the public and addressed housing issues such as affordable housing and eviction protection in Washington County. Although the program has ended, you can still access valuable housing resources shared by our coalition, nonprofit partners, and government agencies on the program's website.

Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement Program (2024-2025)

Previously known as the Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) and the Beaverton Inclusive Housing Cohort, this program continues to be recognized as BOLD due to its longstanding recognition. It includes two elements: civic leadership development and community engagement. The Beaverton Multicultural Community Engagement program seeks to familiarize participants with local government structure, functions, and services while promoting active participation. Participants can gain practical experience in leadership, community organizing, and advocacy, and receive valuable information on research, alternative solutions, and recommended actions for various community projects and programs, including Affordable Housing, Long Range Planning, and Cultural Inclusion. Ultimately, the BOLD program aims to support Beaverton's growth as an inclusive, multicultural city.

Beaverton Inclusive Housing Program (2020-2023)

We partnered with the City of Beaverton on this multicultural community engagement program, which emerged from the city’s commitment to applying a lens of racial equity and tailoring community engagement approaches for housing-related programs and projects.

Beaverton Organizing and Leadership Development (BOLD) (2011-2023)

The BOLD Program is a leadership development and civic engagement training designed to empower emerging immigrant, refugee leaders, and leaders of color in Beaverton. Over the past 12 years, the program has equipped over 200 participants with essential skills to enhance their involvement in city government and contribute to a more inclusive and multicultural community.

Community Commons Events (2024)

Community Engagement | Community Organizing

Since March 2024, Unite Oregon has hosted Community Commons Events in welcoming spaces across Washington County. These gatherings aim to cultivate a Community of Learning and Sharing filled with food, music, and engaging activities. Serving as a beacon of unity, they foster an environment where learning and connection thrive. Your presence is not just welcomed but cherished. Unite Oregon remains a pillar of grassroots advocacy, driven by and for immigrants, refugees, people of color, and marginalized communities.

2024 Events:

Our Leadership

The Unite Oregon, Washington County Chapter is locally led by a community leadership council consisting of 5-10 members who reside in our community and are passionate about fostering a multi-racial, multicultural democracy that is inclusive of all. We prioritize immigrants, refugees, and people of color for leadership council positions. Additionally, 2-4 members of our leadership council are elected to serve on Unite Oregon's statewide Board of Directors.

Washington County Chapter Community Leadership Council

The Community Leadership Council for Unite Oregon’s Washington County Chapter has been on pause since May 2024, with our recent council term officially ending in October 2024. Since January this year, our chapter and organization are actively hiring new leaders—Chapter Director and Executive Director, respectively. Once our new leadership is in place, we will engage in a comprehensive review of our operations.

This pause is not a setback but an opportunity. We are committed to working alongside our community leaders to conduct a thoughtful assessment and planning process to strengthen and grow the Council. Together, we will build a more powerful and impactful organization that serves our community and amplifies our collective voice in the face of ongoing challenges.

We remain dedicated to the work of uplifting and empowering our communities. Change is on the horizon, and we are ready to move forward—stronger than ever.

Welcome to Beaverton: A Guide for Immigrants, Refugees, and Other Newcomers

Explore this valuable resource, originally created by Piyawee Ruenjinda, our former Washington County Leadership Council member and now a staff member, in collaboration with Joan Goldhammer of the Beaverton First United Methodist Church. Version #2 has been carefully updated by volunteers and BOLD alumni Olga Cherevatenko and Zhulma Zárate, along with Piyawee, one of the original contributors. For comments, questions, or suggestions, please email: WelcometoBeaverton@gmail.com.

Browse the Welcome to the City of Beaverton Resource Guide

Meet the Team

Mouna Jbali
she/her | Arabic, French, English
Chapter Director

Delfina Andrade
she/her/ella | Spanish, English
Community Health Worker
(Photo: Anita and Delfina)

Ernesto Oliva
he/they/el | Spanish, English
Southwest Corridor Equity Coalition Manager

Piyawee Ruenjinda
she/they | Thai, Lao, English
Lead Community Organizer

Juan Pedro Moreno Olmeda
he/they/el | Spanish, English
Community Organizer

Alex Vargas Hernandez
he/they/el | Spanish, English
Community Organizer

Contact Washington County Chapter Team.

Feel free to email us at wacostaff@uniteoregon.org