I tried writing this in third person and it just felt too weird. My goal from our first interaction is for you to feel and see my authentic self, so I’m gonna write this about portion from the heart. Sound good?

My name is Katrina Holland. I moved to Portland, Oregon at nine years old after living 20 minutes away from Disneyland in my very early formative years. While I stayed angry at my mother for many years for moving away from one of the most magical places on earth, I know for sure it was the best decision she could have made. Here, I’ve had the honor and privilege of being raised by and growing into a beautiful village of do-gooders, activists, and hopeless romantics who believe our city, state, and country can be a place where we all thrive. I’ve spent the last twenty years in that village serving in various roles including:

• As an executive leader in workforce development, health and senior services, youth programming, economic justice, housing development, housing and homelessness services, social services, advocacy and other human service-based nonprofits

• A volunteer helping to register voters, engage high schoolers in politics and donor cultivation.

• As a public speaker advocating for policies related to housing, health, and education

• As a writer or co-writer of articles and OpEd’s in policy advocacy

• As nonprofit paid and unpaid staff and volunteer leadership roles

• As a church ministry leader and director supporting church operations and music ministry, leading multiple groups

• As a coalition builder and convener

• As a board member in consumer rights, health and insurance, and housing

• As a lobbyist in various jurisdictions and capacities advocating for budget and comprehensive system change.

In my personal life, I’m a Mommy who lives in a multi-generational home with my Mommy and her two grandkids (notice I didn’t say my babies even though they’re mine? Haha). I own a house in East Portland where we live. I love music, movies, and a goooood slow cooked pot of greens with ham hocks. I was once married and now a single head of household family unit. I work at a local nonprofit serving our neighbors experiencing homelessness and providing nonprofit leadership. Finally, I’ve spent the last several years coming to grips with a changing body and chronic conditions as I’ve learned to adjust my life to accommodate multiple health limitations that constitute me as a “differently-abled” worker. Navigating the world asking for what I need has been both a humbling and enlightening experience that enriches and diversifies my outlook on once “normal” tasks.

I thank God for the opportunity to make a living serving and building community. My only hope is that I can share some lessons learned (and am continuing to learn) with you in a way that helps you reach the best part of your next chapter (or maybe it’s an entirely new book!). I also hope to grow in wisdom learning from you as we work together. In learning together, we can continue caring for our community. For more details about my professional experience, visit the About Page. Looking forward to working with you!