Board of Directors
Adelante Mujeres has a talented and dedicated Board of Directors.
Deb Delfs is the President of the Board of Adelante Mujeres, and has been actively involved since 2010. She feels strongly about the empowerment of all women, and Adelante Mujeres which provides services to a population of underserved women. Originally from the Oregon Coast, Deb currently works at WSC Insurance. She adds "Adelante Mujeres is a motivated group of leaders and participants that work together to improve the lives of women. It is gratifying to see the difference this makes in people’s lives."
Andrea Jackson has served on the Board of Directors since 2007. She is most proud of the sense of community and empowerment Adelante Mujeres has brought to the women and families in Washington County. She is excited to see the organization’s immersion into the greater Portland area. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa, Andrea has lived and worked in Portland for the past 12 years. She currently works as an analyst at Portland General Electric.
Elizabeth Lopez is a first generation Mexican-American raised in Los Angeles. Joining the Board was a natural choice for Elizabeth since she too grew up in a low-income household like those of the Latina students that participate in Adelante Mujeres. Her service to the Board is driven by the personal stories of empowerment and growth shared by the students and their families. Elizabeth joined the Board in 2011 and currently works as a Reference Librarian for the Hillsboro Public Libraries.
Emilie Witkowski has worked with Adelante Mujeres since 2008. She believes all women should be empowered members of society. She enjoys the passion that the exectuive director, staff, and fellow board members have for the mission of the organization. Emilie has witnessed how this passion fuels the change you see in the lives of the women that Adelante Mujeres serves. Originally from Banks, Oregon, Emilie now works with Portland General Electric.
Jilma Meneses currently serves as Portland State University’s (PSU) Chief Diversity Officer. She has over twenty years of administrative and business experience, including ten years at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and over five years as Tri-Met’s Civil Rights Director. Ms Meneses has participated in humanitarian work in many developing countries. She also has experience working across a diversity of programs, cultures, and geographies. Ms. Meneses received her undergraduate degree from University of California at Berkeley and her Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School. She feels honored to have joined the Board of Directors at Adelante Mujeres.
Jon-Michael Kowertz has a strong desire to support small business success and his role as an SBDC business advisor is a perfect fit. His position allows him to contribute to the Washington County business community by increasing the visibility, awareness, and accessibility of SBDC advising, programs, and educational pathways. Jon-Michael spent nearly five years working for the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce helping small businesses start and grow, most recently as Vice President of Business Development. Jon-Michael is active with MercyCorp NW as an instructor among other groups. And beware Ducks and Beavers, Jon-Michael is a Tiger having studied at the University of Missouri - Columbia.
Rhoda Markus is a native of Illinois has lived in Washington County since 1967. Rhoda is a retired elementary teacher and a retired deacon of the United Methodist Church. She believes in the mission of Adelante Mujeres and finds congruency with her personal mission in life. Rhoda loves volunteering at Forest Grove Farmers’ Market. She has served since 2008.
Rocio Lopez is a Student in the Adult Education program.
Veronica Grave was born in Mexico and migrated to the US in 1998; she has been living in Cornelius since 2004 and always wanted to be involved in the community. She had the opportunity to volunteer with Adelante Mujeres and loved the enthusiasm and passion of the members to help women and their families through education. Veronica currently works at Intel as a software engineer.
Violeta Hernandez is a student in the Adult Education program.
Miguel Cholula is a member of the Hillsboro School District's Bilingual Studdent Services team. As a community member of Washington County, he has a passion for cultivating our county's potential by creating the next generation of leaders. Miguel is a wonderful Soccer Coach and is passionate about getting girls into sports.
Interested in joining the leadership of the Board of Directors of Adelante Mujeres? Contact Virginia "Gini" Petersen, Director of Development and Outreach, to learn more about our values and expectations.
