Martina Bialek currently works at Latino Network, a Portland nonprofit serving the Latinx community in the region. She is the force behind all marketing and communications strategies to educate the public and raise awareness on the issues that affect the lives of Latinos in the region. Storytelling is Martina’s true passion, and as she says, “there is a great difference between a messenger and a storyteller.” When Martina isn’t drafting press releases and blog posts, she is spending time with her husband Richard, a native Oregonian, and her dogs Marley and Chicha.

Why this board?

Growing up in South America during a time of extreme economic instability, I seldom had opportunities to recreate in public spaces safely. Living in Portland taught me how Oregonians find pride and joy in their public spaces, recreate in them regularly and respect the connection between the city and the nature around it. I fell in love with the way people interact with parks and I wanted to have a more active role in reminding people why parks are awesome!

If you could be a Portland park, which one would you be and why?

My husband and I got engaged at the Rose garden, so if I had to choose a Portland park, it would be Washington Park. I have countless experiences there, be it my engagement or the many hikes with friends and my pets. It’s always an inviting place that offers stillness and quietness just minutes from Portland's hustle and bustle.

What do you hope to accomplish while serving?

I hope to be a bridge between PPF and other communities, bring neighbors together and share the beauty that Portland parks have to offer, not only to the people who have historically enjoyed them regularly, but also to those who are still trying to find their place within public spaces.