Staff
Debra Porta
Executive Director
She/They
Debra Porta began volunteering with Pride Northwest in 2006, served as Board President (2007-2015), and now as Executive Director (2017-current). Under Debra’s leadership, Pride Northwest, as home to the annual Portland Pride Festival and Parade, has grown into a nationally-recognized Pride organization. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Debra studied at Portland State University, receiving her Master’s in Public Administration with a Specialization in Nonprofit Management.
Debra believes strongly in the power of Pride as far more than a single event (or even month of events). A dedication to inclusion and a respect for all of the identities that make up our community underscores Debra’s approach to community engagement and to Pride. When not living Pride, Debra lives in North Portland with her wife and four-legged children, supporting and advising various grassroots community groups.
KariAnne Horton
Program Assistant
She/Her/Hers
Kari Anne joined the Pride Northwest family just in time for Portland Pride 2019. She brings with her a breadth of knowledge in program planning and communications. Kari Anne holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and three years of Master’s work in Public Administration. Out since 2016, Kari Anne has embraced her queerness and is excited to join Pride Northwest in her dream job as Program Assistant.
Pride is important to Kari Anne because of its community. Living in the closet for most of her life she never felt fully accepted in queer spaces until Pride. She hopes her work at Pride Northwest helps other queer folks feel accepted and welcome. A huge fan of all things Broadway related, Kari Anne lives with her two loves of her life, her cats Slayer and Dio.
Julie Baltazar
Administrative Assistant
She/Her
BIO coming soon!
Henry Felton
Outreach and Community Events Coordinator
BIO coming soon!
Ian Morton
Director of Programs
He/Him
Ian (he/him) is thrilled to call Portland “home” after spending twenty-three years in San Diego, CA. Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, with a three year “detour” through Knoxville, TN, he loves returning to a state that has actual seasons! He is joined in his move to Portland by his partner Evan, a nurse at OHSU, and their two cats, Tucker and Pauli.
Having already seen the activist and advocacy spirit in which the Portland community comes together, Ian is excited to build robust collaborative partnerships between the many organizations fighting for - and alongside - intentionally sidelined communities. A 2020 graduate of San Diego State University - Majoring in Communication, with Minors in Digital Media Studies & Comparative Literature - he brings to Pride Northwest a specific passion to create, support and provide access to professional and educational resources for LGBTQIA2S+ artists, entrepreneurs and dreamers!