Oregon Food Bank welcomes new Director of Equity, People and Culture and expands organization’s equity focus

August 27, 2018 – Rut Martinez-Alicea has been named Director of Equity, People and Culture for Oregon Food Bank. The addition of this newly created role at Oregon Food Bank is reflective of a strategic shift in programs and public policy efforts to more directly support a society where everyone can thrive.

A diverse and equitable workplace improves services and outputs and assists in keeping the people receiving assistance at the center of the work. By leveraging diversity Oregon Food Bank strives to overcome injustices that divide… because no one should be hungry.

“We know that historical and persistent systemic inequity, especially institutionalized racism, is a root cause of poverty and hunger,” said Oregon Food Bank CEO Susannah Morgan. “Creating a more equitable and inclusive environment for staff, community partners and people experiencing hunger is therefore core to our mission.”

In this newly created leadership team role, Martinez-Alicea will set the vision and functions for Oregon Food Bank’s equity journey, human resources and organizational culture, and participate actively in developing and implementing organizational strategy. Oregon Food Bank’s equity statement can be found at oregonfoodbank.org/equity.

Martinez-Alicea reports directly to the CEO and is charged with creating a positive work environment that values collaboration, trust, open communication, empowerment, equity and inclusion. She brings 20 years of experience as a professional practitioner for equity, social justice and systemic violence prevention. She most recently served as the multicultural center coordinator at Portland Community College’s Southeast campus. While at PCC, she lead efforts, initiatives, training and programming to promote equity and to address institutional racism and education inequity.

A complete list of Oregon Food Bank’s leadership staff can be found at oregonfoodbank.org