Iris Maria Chávez is an education advocate and public affairs consultant, currently working with national and Oregon-focused organizations to advance equity by supporting the creation of sound, just policies that better communities in Oregon and across the nation. Iris Maria came to the Pacific Northwest from Washington, D.C., where she worked for over a decade in education policy and advocacy for civil rights and advocacy organizations such as the Education Trust and the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). Iris Maria’s volunteer work also focuses on community engagement and equity, she currently serves on the Partnership for Safety & Justice Board of Directors and the City Club of Portland Board of Governors.