Past Lunches

Ceremonial designer and outdoor futurist Jocelyn Rice is a visionary creative force, award-winning apparel designer, and Founder/CEO of Black Earth United. Her mission is to reclaim the narrative around Black folks and their connection to the outdoors through storytelling and clothing.

Learn how this cross-cultural communicator deeply influenced by his immigrant Colombian upbringing led to him being in leadership roles in private and nonprofit companies including the Director of Hacienda CDC’s Portland Mercado to overseeing the City of Portland’s economic development.

Learn how this Lewis & Clark alumna combined her pattern-making skills and knack for engineering, math, and art to create a company that works with a variety of apparel designers and innovators, enabling them to construct manufacturing-ready digital prototypes, all the way through from concept to creation.

Come listen to the entrepreneurial journey that weaves from janitor to Nike footwear designer, to leaving it all behind to start a coffee shop built around the sneaker community and the guiding mantra “Coffee Should Be Dope.”

Learn how the critical thinking mindset of his liberal arts degree translated to this speaker creating and nationally scaling a high-quality product that reflects the social and environmental values the founders hold true.

Want to chat about public policy, urban mobility, and sustainable systems? Come meet the former CEO of a successful product design studio who is embarking on his next voyage outfitting boats with electric engines to preserve our waterways.

Do you want to meet him because he is a world famous hacker, because he co-hosted a t.v. show, or because his nickname is Kingpin? Whatever the reason, grab lunch with us and hear how he testified in front of the US Senate and his role in crypto.

Wonder how to prioritize equitable economic development while also seeking financial returns? Come meet Business Oregon’s Investment Strategist (as well as Oregon Growth Board Director) and hear about his journey from liberal arts to supporting Oregon business.