On March 11, Cheryl Myers, State Director of Economic & Business Equity, will speak about promoting access and opportunity to Oregon’s disadvantaged, minority-owned, woman-owned and emerging small businesses. RSVP by March 5. Here's a Q&A with this month's speaker.
1. How did you come to be appointed as a member of Governor Kitzhaber’s cabinet?
Following 20 years of small business ownership and years of community service-including school board, I ran for an open Oregon House seat - my platform: small business, education, jobs. While I did not prevail, I established a strong reputation and was sought out by the Governor's transition team.
2. Your role as Director is, in part, to serve as a senior policy advisor to the Governor on issues
related to minority-owned, woman-owned and emerging small business. What is your specific focus for 2014?
Over the past three years we have built a strong foundation both internally and externally with Oregon agency leadership as well as collaboration with public and private-sector entities. This year we'll continue to focus on strategies to increase the level of contracting with MWESB firms and staff understanding of the 'business case' for diversity and
inclusion.
3. The QB theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value of Including
Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?
To paraphrase a respected colleague "diversity is what you see, inclusion is what you do with what you see;" diversity is a noun, inclusion is a verb. As important as it is to have diverse perspectives present, how we initiate and engage is equally important.
4. In a mentor role, what advice can you give others?
Believe, believe, believe. Trust your gut, take action and find support networks who will encourage you to achieve your potential - the world needs you at your best!
5. In a mentee role, what issue would you seek guidance on?
How to better utilize my strengths for increasing positive impact.
6. What is your favorite movie?
"It's A Wonderful Life" a bit predictable, but such a good reminder that every person is important, everyone makes uniquely special contributions and our lives are incredibly connected to each other.
7. What is the last book you read for pleasure?
"Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg
8. What is something that you are proud of, that most people don't know about
you?
The amazing journey from beginning life as an orphan to Governor's Office ... and I
ride a Harley.
Following 20 years of small business ownership and years of community service-including school board, I ran for an open Oregon House seat - my platform: small business, education, jobs. While I did not prevail, I established a strong reputation and was sought out by the Governor's transition team.
2. Your role as Director is, in part, to serve as a senior policy advisor to the Governor on issues
related to minority-owned, woman-owned and emerging small business. What is your specific focus for 2014?
Over the past three years we have built a strong foundation both internally and externally with Oregon agency leadership as well as collaboration with public and private-sector entities. This year we'll continue to focus on strategies to increase the level of contracting with MWESB firms and staff understanding of the 'business case' for diversity and
inclusion.
3. The QB theme for 2014 is "Authentic Communication: Considering the Value of Including
Diverse Perspectives”, what does this theme mean to you?
To paraphrase a respected colleague "diversity is what you see, inclusion is what you do with what you see;" diversity is a noun, inclusion is a verb. As important as it is to have diverse perspectives present, how we initiate and engage is equally important.
4. In a mentor role, what advice can you give others?
Believe, believe, believe. Trust your gut, take action and find support networks who will encourage you to achieve your potential - the world needs you at your best!
5. In a mentee role, what issue would you seek guidance on?
How to better utilize my strengths for increasing positive impact.
6. What is your favorite movie?
"It's A Wonderful Life" a bit predictable, but such a good reminder that every person is important, everyone makes uniquely special contributions and our lives are incredibly connected to each other.
7. What is the last book you read for pleasure?
"Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg
8. What is something that you are proud of, that most people don't know about
you?
The amazing journey from beginning life as an orphan to Governor's Office ... and I
ride a Harley.
