Community Economic Development (CED)

Staff

Deanne Grant | Community Economic Development Coordinator
Pawnee Nation Tribal Member

M.A. International Studies, University of Oregon
First Nations Oweesta Corporation—Financial Education Trainer, June 2008
First Nations Development Institute—Leadership Entrepreneurial Apprenticeship Development Program, November 2008

 "I am proud to serve the Native American community and be part of an exciting movement towards economic independence across our Native communities. With financial education and asset management, our communities will rise to exercise our rights to financially develop in ways that stay true to Native culture."

Irena Solomon | Tax Advocate

B.A. Sociology, University of California
Enrolled in Certified Financial Planner Certificate Program, University of Portland

"My journey at NAYA Family Center began with my own financial journey – from chaos and fear to stability and confidence. Part of what I learned was how “finances” involve so much more than math and money: values, emotions, personal and generational history, experiences and dreams all play a part. It wasn’t until I explored these aspects that I was able to truly see my financial life as an ally, not an enemy.

My education began in Sociology and recently culminated in professional certification coursework in financial planning. I was the site coordinator for NAYA ’s free Tax Preparation Site during the 2009 tax season. I am grateful for the chance to speak with others about their finances and to open the way to more knowledge, education and awareness about the many ways our lives are impacted by finances every day."

Ben Helgren | Financial Skills Coach

B.A. Spanish with a minor in Sociology, Pacific University
First Nations Oweesta Corporation—Financial Education Trainer August 2008
NeighborWorks America—Credit Counseling for Maximum Results July 2006, Home Buyer Education Methods August 2006, Home Buyer Education Certificate September 2006, Financial Fitness: Teaching Financial Management Skills December 2007, Developing and Implementing a Financial Education Program in Native Communities August 2008, Foreclosure Basics March 2009

"I feel extremely fortunate to work at the NAYA Family Center as the Financial Skills coach.  I am able to help individuals to make spending plans, do credit repair, and plan their financial future.  From personal experience I understand how bad financial decisions will negatively affect a financial future.  I understand the stress money places on families and believe that taking control of your finances will reduce your stress. 

I have worked at a sub-prime credit card company doing customer service and sales. This gave me direct exposure to various techniques used by credit card companies to increase their income without regard to clients well being.  Immediately before coming to NAYA I worked at a HUD certified home buying counseling agency as a receptionist, class facilitator, and program coordinator."

CJ Williams | Life Skills & Micro Enterprise Coach
Yurok Tribe of the Redwoods and Klamath River Tribal Member

Bachelor of Science and Human Development, Warner Pacific College
Owned and Operated Williams Landscape, 3 years
Owned and Operated Bartow Finishing, 13 years

"I am in a position where I have the opportunity to assist people in our community with starting their own business.  I enjoy this because it allows people to take care of their own family and at the same time be a part of the community.  I enjoy sharing in people’s journey and seeing their excitement at what they can accomplish.  To have the privilege of doing this with in the context of our Native American community is awesome."  

Abby Soto | Resource Navigator Coach

B.A. Women’s Studies, Portland State University, December ‘09

“Because of past financial missteps that caused me to have to press pause on my higher education for six years; I have come to feel great passion for educating young people about money so that they may not repeat my same mistakes. Without guidance and basic financial skills coaching, young people are tremendously vulnerable to many credit companies who seek to make a buck off of their lack of knowledge. Only one poorly informed financial decision can cause years of needless pain and suffering.

I am here to help young people navigate the system and available resources so they may begin to clear a path toward their dreams. Your aspirations truly are attainable and often times only a small bit of advocacy helps bridge the gap from knowing there is no way out to proving to yourself that there is.”

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