WaterStrong Board
The WaterStrong Board provides the strategic leadership and oversight for the organization. Board members represent WaterStrong partnerships and bring expertise in the following areas:
Water safety & swimming
Environmental education & water stewardship
Partnerships & business development
Marketing & communications
Endowment building & fundraising
Dena Marshall, Founder
A lifelong open water swimmer and outdoor adventurer, Dena brings an infectious love for the water to WaterStrong. Dena is mom to two young women, an international lawyer by training and a mediator/facilitator by practice. This photo represents joy and empowerment in nature, human imperfection, and having the guts to try something new.
Nana Opoku Hoerth
Nana is an expert in finance and small business development for the City of Portland. She is an active mother of four and lifelong advocate for child safety, founder of YETI Foundation (Youth Exist To Inspire). A musical and poetic soul dedicated to community, service and connecting people through shared purpose and creativity. This photo represents Nana’s vision and commitment to the value of showing up, engaging directly, and investing in partnerships.
Itzel Hernandez Spehar
Itzel is the Director of Community Services and Advocacy at Bienestar. She is an expert program director whose personal mission is to open opportunities for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. Itzel has also worked for housing non-profit organizations and school districts in the Portland Metro Area. A proud mother of two, one of her favorite family activities is to swim and play in the water. This photo represents Itzel’s nurturing encouragement to care for the water, and for each other, at every step.
Josue Ramirez
Josue is Director of Outdoor Education at Multnomah Education Service District (MESD) Helensview School. He has dedicated his career to outdoor education and advocacy. With a passion for teaching and empowering others, especially underserved youth, Jose works as an experiential education coordinator and kayak instructor, leading programs that promote environmental stewardship and water safety. He bridges cultural and education gaps, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has the knowledge and skills to enjoy water activities safely. This photo represents confidence and comfort with nature’s challenges, skills that Josue instills in all his students.
John Graham
John is Executive Director for Center for Business and Industry at Central Oregon Community College. John’s leadership experience with COCC and sports giants Nike and Speedo, brings to WaterStrong unparalleled expertise in marketing, operations and community partnerships. An avid swimmer, angler and advocate, John is passionate about promoting safer, cleaner waters. As a fintech investor and workforce development leader, he also understands the power of strategic growth and education. This photo represents John’s ageless zeal for taking calculated risks.
The WaterStrong Board
The WaterStrong Board of Directors is an active board that provides the strategic leadership and oversight for the organization. Board members bring expertise in drowning prevention and water stewardship, as well as specific skills in the areas of environmental studies, water safety, corporate partnerships, non-profit management, finance, marketing and communications, insurance, and law.
WaterStrong Board members serve in volunteer capacity and are expected to participate in four board meetings per year, at least one WaterStrong event, and to actively engage in fundraising on behalf of the organization (through grant-seeking, hosting a fundraising event, direct solicitations, securing sponsorships or corporate matches, etc.)
WaterStrong Board Members…
Serve as trusted advisors
Evaluate WaterStrong’s impact and engage in strategic planning
Review the WaterStrong annual budget, audit reports, and some business decisions
Ensure the organization complies with its legal and fiduciary responsibilities
Raise money
Recruit new board members
Align with, promote and defend WaterStrong’s mission
You are a good fit if:
You love the water, prioritize safety, and are a champion for the environment.
You are expert in one or more of the following: teaching, environmental science, water safety, partnerships, non-profit management, finance, marketing and communications, insurance, law.
You have a very high degree of cultural competence, empathy, and collaborative spirit.
You have no criminal history involving violence against children.
You can adopt this commitment while maintaining balance and happiness in your life.
WaterStrong Advisory Circle
The WaterStrong Advisory Circle serves as an informal roster of experts who agree to be called upon occasionally for their professional assistance or guidance on certain matters as they arise.
Chelsea Chytka, Benton County Sheriff Department
Gerald Dworkin, Lifesaving Resources LLC
Bethaine Carter, Leadership Consultant
Nick Hardigg, Nonprofit Consultant
Bob Warmkessel, Grange Capital
Matt Harad, Investment Advisor
Victoria Muirhead, Stoel Rives
Naomi Campos, Founder Yedomi Jewelry
Natalie Valieres Martin, Swim Global Project
Victor Wales, Marin Aquatics
Interested in joining the WaterStrong Board or Advisory Circle?
Please send your statement of interest and qualifications to Dena Marshall: dena@waterstrong.org