Longtime champion of inclusive communities appointed as Portland’s interim director for equity and human rights

Judith Mowry, a longtime champion of equity and inclusion, has been tapped as the City's interim director for the Office of Equity and Human Rights.

Mowry, who has served as deputy director for the office since 2013, brings extensive experience in program design, communication, management, facilitation, meditation and training. She has dedicated her career to working toward inclusive communities and government.

As co-founder of the Restorative Listening Project on Gentrification and the Community Residential Siting Program, Mowry loves to find creative approaches and solutions to addressing barriers to equitable outcomes. She initially joined the City of Portland in the Office of Neighborhood Involvement.

Mowry will lead the office on an interim basis while the City actively recruits for the new position of Chief Equity Officer. Her first day in this role will be Friday, January 13.

"I'm delighted that Judith has agreed to lead the City's work in this vital area," said City Administrator Raymond C. Lee III, who appointed Mowry to the role. "Her experience and background will be invaluable as we move toward a broader foundation of equity for our organization and our community."