EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Willamette University, B.A. Spanish; B.A. International Studies

Born in Utah, Mark was raised by the mountains with the drive to explore and learn. Starting young, he has spent years studying, working, and exploring Europe, the Caribbean, Central, and South America - building connections, asking questions, and soaking up new perspectives. Mark's work is focused on equity and inclusion, experiential education, and diverse learning opportunities - with experience supporting young adults in civic engagement, purposeful travel, and the love of learning. Mark is passionate about exploring root causes of inequities in our community, working to identify and positively impact them. Mark is currently the Executive Director for Wonderfolk, developing and implementing programming in Oregon and Colorado. He loves skiing, surfing, backpacking, and anything with a ball. 

PROGRAM LEAD

Portland State University, B.A. Social Work; Masters of Social Work

Emma is a first-generation student graduating this spring from Portland State University. She received a Bachelors of Arts in Social Work, with a double minor in Criminology/Criminal justice and Civic Leadership, and expecting to receive a Masters of Social Work in spring 2020. She studied abroad in Spain in 2017, her first time abroad and was such an amazing experience. Her program was very similar to Wonderfolk’s. With this lived experience, she really hopes to use what she has learned in the mentorship program with future students who participate in the fellowship. She is extremely excited to be a part of the program and brings her perspective and dedication to help this program to keep moving forward!

COMMUNICATIONS LEAD

University of Denver, B.A. English and Spanish, Minor Leadership Studies; M.A. English

Asia’s love of listening to the stories of her community was enhanced by writing and studying languages in her home of Colorado.  She spent her entire life in the colorful state until 2015, when she studied abroad and traveled outside of the United States for the first time. Combined with this newfound passion for traveling and her previous experiences in helping students gain access to higher education, Asia was determined to make sure others had the opportunity to travel, too.  After receiving her bachelor’s degree, she taught English in Southern Spain—a year that was also spent improving her Spanish, learning Portuguese, and crossing even more countries off her list like Portugal, England, Scotland, and Morocco.  In her spare time, she loves to play soccer, sing with friends, and constantly be near water in the summer.

PROGRAM COORDINATOR

Oregon State University, B.S Merchandising Management, Business Administration 

Diana is a first-generation student graduating from Oregon State University in the Spring of 2022. Born in Yucatán, Mexico and raised in the beautiful city of roses, Diana brings her extensive knowledge of Portland resources to the program. As the Social Media Manager for the POC in Business Club at OSU, she is committed to creating a safe space for BIPOC students through educational opportunities and community healing. Social justice and the drive to close opportunity gaps between marginalized communities is deeply engraved in her roots. She is excited to work with the team and create amazing memories with the students! Diana loves to explore food trucks around the city.

Portland State University B.S. Sociology + Masters of Social Work

Ethan is a Portland, Oregon native with expertise in counseling, education, poverty, race, culture, and social justice. He has 10 years experience in various counseling roles and is currently finishing his MSW while managing Open School East’s Counseling Department. Ethan is a husband, father, mentor, and someone who genuinely believes in people’s capacity to thrive. He enjoys running, snowboarding, and spending time with friends, family, and community. Ethan loves everything Wonderfolk offers youth and aspires to contribute all he can to support and enhance the amazing work being done.  

Yale University, B.A. African American Studies, Film Studies; New York University, Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute, Masters of Documentary Journalism

Faith is a creative producer, environmental justice advocate and documentary filmmaker passionate about sharing contemporary stories from diverse communities. A self-described “professional nerd,” her studies at Yale University and the New York University Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute focused on representation in media and inspiring global citizenship. Faith comes to Wonderfolk with extensive experience working with inner-city youth as a summer camp counselor and program coordinator, residential assistant at the high school and college level, and program director of Oregon-based non-profit Soul River Inc. She credits a scholarship that afforded international service-learning experiences with changing her life and helping develop a sense of community responsibility. Previous experience includes Discovery Communications, Columbia Sportswear, and freelance marketing consulting.

Leana Mayzlina works at the intersection of technology and human thriving. She is a passionate advocate for digital inclusion with years of experience building community among people and organizations at the forefront of change. Born in Ukraine and raised in the US, Leana set out to bridge the gaps between continents and culture, communities and connectivity. At NTEN she leads the Digital Inclusion fellowship, guiding fellows around the country in bridging economic, educational, and social gaps through digitally inclusive initiatives. Prior to joining the NTEN team, she developed international campaigns supporting grassroots women leaders in advocating for social, political, and environmental change. In 2011, Leana moved back to the Pacific Northwest after nearly a decade working in Latin America, where she managed international cooperation programs in areas ranging from food and housing security to social entrepreneurship. Leana speaks Russian, English, Spanish, and um pouquinho de português and holds a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Pitzer College, as well as an MA in International Studies from the University of Chile. Leana lives in Portland with her husband and their rescue dog, Atlas. On weekends, you can find her exploring the woods, baking bread, and sampling new brews.

Laura has over a decade of experience studying, writing about, and exploring how new technologies can be used to build a better, more equitable world. She is thrilled to be a member of Wonderfolks' board because she strongly believes in the power of service learning and cultural exchange to build stronger communities and individuals. Laura's work is driven by a desire to tell impactful stories, elevate diverse voices and dig into the complexity of the myriad challenges we face around the world. She has worked globally – within nonprofits, foundations, social enterprises, academia and more. Laura loves running around outside (hiking, swimming, skiing, you name it), exploring the new-to-her nooks and crannies of Portland, and curling up at home reading.

Renzo enjoys championing social justice and uplifting people from all walks of life. After relocating to Portland from the east coast in 2015, Renzo joined Latino Network, where he launched programs and built strategic partnerships to empower communities of color in Oregon. Now, Renzo drives economic empowerment as part of the Oregon Treasury. 

Renzo loves the way Wonderfolk creates opportunities for diverse youth to expand their horizons and deepen their leadership. He hopes to push Wonderfolk’s important work forward.