Leadership
At Storyline, we are not centralized around a hierarchy or single figurehead. We believe there is power in the rich collective narrative and diverse voices around us, and we seek to constantly release those voices in the way we lead and operate. This is reflected in our leadership teams which are highly collaborative, strengths-based, and live out our value to fight for relationships.
At Storyline, we believe in shared leadership!
Executive Director, Co-Lead Pastor |
Organizer, Co-Lead Pastor
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Rev. Dez Valdez | they/them
Dez was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, but landed in the Portland area in 2017. They are an ordained Lutheran minister and graduate of Claremont School of Theology.
Dez seeks to bridge between old and new forms of spiritual practice and community, remaining rooted in the stories of our ancestors while always imagining and moving toward better worlds. Their work at Storyline allows them do the work of sacred meaning-making alongside organizing at the intersection of their queer and Latine identies. When not working, Dez can often be found on a walk listening to history podcasts, hanging out with their household full of animals (Lyric, Rue, Summers, and Marcos), or marathonning 20 year old tv shows. Contact Dez Sacred OrganizerDelma Paz-Mendoza | she/her, he/him
Delma is the trans child of Oaxaqueños. He was born and raised on the indigenous lands of the Pacific Northwest, particularly in the Clackamas County areas, and she currently resides in so-called Portland, OR. Delma has been working with multicultural and intergenerational communities since 2018. He has a passion for working with BIPOC, Queer, Trans, and/or Youth communities, especially those in rural areas. Delma is an abolitionist and a healer; she believes in the strength found within the community and wishes to continuously learn and teach so that we may all move towards our collective liberation.
When not working, Delma can be found playing soccer, hanging out with loved ones, or at his local library writing away. She loves to go out dancing and can listen to any type of music endlessly! |
Stori Long | she/her
Though originally from Texas, Stori now lives in the beautiful PNW. She is passionate about connecting with people through stories and storytelling, through myth and movies, through books and history, in a way that helps them connect with and make sense of their own experiences, truths, and emotions. When she's not writing, reading, or watching T.V., she likes to do puzzles and hang out with her cats.
Her role is to connect people with the heart and mission of Storyline through social media, creative storytelling, and communication (also, funny GIFs). Contact Stori Sacred Organizer (Fellow)Natalie Cavillo-Ruelas | she/her
Natalie was born and raised in the Clackamas area. She is Mexican-American and has lived in Oregon her whole life. She serves on Storyline's staff as a Sacred Organizer, working mostly with the SE Portland Youth Collective. Natalie was part of the youth collective when she was in high school and loved how it helped her grow as a person in times of joy, fear, and confusion. Now she is back helping lead retreats, gatherings, and other events that focus on youth voices and their needs.
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Board of Directors
Along with our staff, our board is the group of people from within and connected to our community who have given their time and their hearts to helping us grow up as a non-profit. Their ongoing work includes discerning our organizational horizons, taking care of our people and community, and sustaining clear focus, centered hearts, and sound finances.
Currently on our board:
Ben Grace
Chaune Schafer
Tim Schaeffer-Borrego
Adrianne Schaeffer-Borrego
Devin Valdivia
Val Valdivia
Josh Hinckley
Brett Pinder
Currently on our board:
Ben Grace
Chaune Schafer
Tim Schaeffer-Borrego
Adrianne Schaeffer-Borrego
Devin Valdivia
Val Valdivia
Josh Hinckley
Brett Pinder