PEOPLE

It takes the participation of people in any system or movement to make it work. Our people are community leaders, organizers, and change-makers. The Equitable Giving Circle would not work without the support of our people. We partner with some of Portland’s most innovative, at-the-ready mobilizers.

Dedication to Ms. V Renà Allen 

This Equitable Giving Circle was an idea that came out of a desperate want for immediate solutions, community engagement, and change in a radical way. From the conception of this idea, Mrs. V. Rená Allen was my biggest cheerleader and continuously asked me how it was going, how she could help and told me countless times not only could I make this happen but that it would be amazing and because of her here we are making waves of hope. It’s an honor to dedicate this project to her memory and legacy. 

Mrs. Rená was a leader, community advocate, activist, caretaker, and educator to thousands. Everywhere she went, she spread love and joy. She had a way of engaging and asking questions that encouraged and supported without judgement. She could take a moment and makes it feel like hours filled with love and hope. Her smile lit up the room, her laugh melted woes, and her loving hug could make anyone feel whole. She inspired everyone to be their best selves and loved us all for who we are without pause.

Mrs. Renà leaves behind her husband, children, grandchildren, and the Portland Community. 

As we mourn this phenomenal woman, let us carry her passion and work for the community and continue to spread joy and love. This work is in honor of you, Ms. Rena. Thank you for inspiring so many to be our best selves. 

With love always,
AJ McCreary- EGC co-founder and 2003 Les Femmes Debutante 

FOUNDING TEAM

This organization is founded and run by Black women with the perspective that true equity exists in
intersectional leadership that centers Black women. For inquiries please contact info@equitablegivingcircle.org.

*Leadership Board: When we have board seats open, we invite BIPOC women and femmes from our advisory board to our leadership board. It is very intentional that our board members are already invested in this work and community and know how we operate and function as a group before participating in leading.

*Advisory Board: Our more involved volunteers cross the color line. These individuals make up our advisory board; these individuals either helped create this group or joined us along the way. Twice a year: in October and April, we invite folks from our larger volunteer pool to help move more intimate parts of our work and to take on more responsibility in the work.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
AJ McCreary

LEADERSHIP TEAM

Founding Volunteers

NON-PROFIT

Equitable Giving Circle is an Oregon 501(c)(3) nonprofit our tax ID # is 85-0874463.