Keynote Speakers 2025

Rachael Banks has served as Director of the Multnomah County Health Department since October 2023. A longtime public health leader, Rachael brings deep experience and a strong connection to community. She began her career in Oregon’s behavioral health system and joined the Health Department in 2002, eventually serving as Public Health Director from 2017 to 2020. In that role, she led an equitable, data-driven response to COVID-19 centered on the communities most impacted by the pandemic.

From 2020 to 2023, Rachael served as the first Black Public Health Director for the State of Oregon. At the Oregon Health Authority, she worked with partners to guide the state through critical phases of the pandemic, helping achieve some of the nation’s lowest COVID-19 death rates and highest vaccination rates among Communities of Color. She also advanced major initiatives to modernize Oregon’s public health system and implement a statewide health improvement plan.
Since returning to Multnomah County as Director, Rachael has helped implement the Deflection program and build new partnerships with the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health. Her leadership continues to center culturally specific strategies and deeper community engagement across programs.

Born and raised in Portland, Rachael graduated from Jefferson High School, earned her bachelor’s degree from Gonzaga University, and holds a master’s in public administration from Portland State University. She began as a community health worker and led multiple County programs, including Healthy Birth and REACH.

Outside of work, Rachael enjoys being a proud mom, dancing, hosting family and friends, and sleeping in on weekends.

Fidel Ferrer graduated from PSU in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in science and is a nationally recognized STEAM educator and social impact leader, known for expanding access to robotics and digital literacy in underserved communities. As the founder and president of Project LEDO, he has transformed a local idea into a global movement —empowering over 1500 youth through hands-on science and robotics programs in Oregon, Cuba, and Bolivia — soon expanding to Nigeria.

Believing that science and technology must be inclusive and community-rooted, Fidel has led Project LEDO into partnerships with UNESCO, OMSI and many others. His leadership has helped raise over $1 million to build culturally responsive programs that bridge the digital divide.

Fidel’s career bridges nonprofit innovation, global development, and corporate strategy. A former global operations leader at Apple, he also served as a key voice within the Black at Apple Diversity Network Association. Today, he channels that experience into shaping Project LEDO’s strategy, operations, and advocacy — advancing equitable access to education for historically underserved communities. 

A proud Cuban American, Fidel has been honored with the 2018 Black Excellence Award, the 2023 Portland Business Journal Executive Director of the Year for Social Impact  Award, and multiple community recognitions. His work has been featured internationally, with presentations at events such as the XII International Congress on Science Education Methodologies.

From Havana to Portland, Fidel Ferrer is driven by one goal: to ensure every young person not only learns to build — but knows they have the power to lead, and a place where they belong.

Rowena Paz Norman is a strategic and entrepreneurial leader who thrives on solving important problems, envisioning new possibilities, and building genuine relationships to make a meaningful difference. She leads with a distinctive blend of bold business instincts, purpose, and authenticity.

After graduating Phi Beta Kappa as a Pell Grant scholar from UC San Diego, Rowena built her early career at Google as a Senior Account Executive in Southeast Asian and Canadian markets. While she valued the innovative culture, a desire for more mission-focused work led her to Feeding America. As Director of New Partnerships, she spearheaded technology collaborations with companies like Amazon and Uber to address food insecurity.

Seeking to further amplify her impact, she earned her MBA from Portland State University, which ignited her passion for strategy and entrepreneurship. An internship at Tillamook County Creamery Association evolved into her role as Strategy Manager, where she led food service planning and strategy.

Rowena extends her impact by teaching at Portland Community College and Portland State University, serving as a capstone advisor and an adjunct professor. With her husband Luke, she established the Froilan S. Paz Entrepreneurship Fund at PSU to honor her father's legacy. Beyond her professional endeavors, Rowena finds deep fulfillment in mentoring students as they navigate their own career journeys.

La’Shawanta Spears-Hardy's career reflects a deep and sustained commitment to education and equity. After earning a BA in Speech Communications from Portland State University in 2000, she returned to George Fox University to obtain an MA in School Counseling. Following many  years of dedicated service within the David Douglas School District, La’Shawanta pursued her Initial Administrative License (IAL) in School Administration.

La’Shawanta has served the David Douglas SD as an Assistant Principal, followed by roles in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, culminating in her current position as Assistant Superintendent of DEI. In this capacity, she supports the implementation of the district's Equity/Strategic Plan and oversees the DDSD Grown Your Own Program. Her leadership in GYO is pivotal to the district's commitment to recruiting, employing, supporting, and retaining a racially diverse and culturally responsive workforce across all employee groups, exceeding state law requirements. She also guides building-level equity teams.

Driven by a passion for Equity and Restorative Practice, La’Shawanta intends to pursue a PhD in School Leadership. 
Throughout her career, La’Shawanta has also demonstrated significant leadership beyond her district roles, serving as COSA President, a member of the COSA Equity Board, Board Chair for Women First and a Church Missionary with Emmanuel Church, all while managing her demanding responsibilities as an Assistant Superintendent.

La’Shawanta is the proud mother of Dwightaye (28), Monnie (25), and Amira (19), and the devoted wife of Pastor De’Shawn Hardy.