Our Board Members
The women who power our mission.
Stefyni Allen
Treasurer
Bio
Stefyni Allen joined the Foundation Board in 2020 and has been a member of Oregon Women Lawyers since graduating from law school in 2010. Stefyni is an attorney-mediator and parent coordinator at The Collaborative Way LLC. Her mediation work is primarily court connected custody and parenting time mediation for Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties. She does parent coordination work statewide. Stefyni received her JD from the Willamette University College of Law and her BA from UC Davis, where she studied sociology.
Stefyni Allen
Treasurer
Bio
Stefyni Allen joined the Foundation Board in 2020 and has been a member of Oregon Women Lawyers since graduating from law school in 2010. Stefyni is an attorney-mediator and parent coordinator at The Collaborative Way LLC. Her mediation work is primarily court connected custody and parenting time mediation for Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties. She does parent coordination work statewide. Stefyni received her JD from the Willamette University College of Law and her BA from UC Davis, where she studied sociology.
Stefyni Allen
Treasurer
Bio
Stefyni Allen joined the Foundation Board in 2020 and has been a member of Oregon Women Lawyers since graduating from law school in 2010. Stefyni is an attorney-mediator and parent coordinator at The Collaborative Way LLC. Her mediation work is primarily court connected custody and parenting time mediation for Yamhill, Polk and Marion Counties. She does parent coordination work statewide. Stefyni received her JD from the Willamette University College of Law and her BA from UC Davis, where she studied sociology.
Trudy Allen
Secretary/Historian
Bio
Trudy Allen first joined the OWLS Foundation Board as Historian in 1999 and is also now the Secretary. She served on the Queen’s Bench Board for 11 years (President twice) and on the OWLS Board for 7 years (Historian for 5 years). She has retired from the practice of law, where most recently she was General Counsel of U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, a division of U.S. Bank. In addition to her current volunteer service for the OWLS Foundation, she is doing volunteer work for the Oregon Women Judges project, a joint effort between Oregon Women Lawyers and the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society to compile information on all the women who have served as judges in Oregon. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1982 and her B.S. from Penn State in 1972.
Trudy Allen
Secretary/Historian
Bio
Trudy Allen first joined the OWLS Foundation Board as Historian in 1999 and is also now the Secretary. She served on the Queen’s Bench Board for 11 years (President twice) and on the OWLS Board for 7 years (Historian for 5 years). She has retired from the practice of law, where most recently she was General Counsel of U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, a division of U.S. Bank. In addition to her current volunteer service for the OWLS Foundation, she is doing volunteer work for the Oregon Women Judges project, a joint effort between Oregon Women Lawyers and the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society to compile information on all the women who have served as judges in Oregon. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1982 and her B.S. from Penn State in 1972.
Trudy Allen
Secretary/Historian
Bio
Trudy Allen first joined the OWLS Foundation Board as Historian in 1999 and is also now the Secretary. She served on the Queen’s Bench Board for 11 years (President twice) and on the OWLS Board for 7 years (Historian for 5 years). She has retired from the practice of law, where most recently she was General Counsel of U.S. Bank Equipment Finance, a division of U.S. Bank. In addition to her current volunteer service for the OWLS Foundation, she is doing volunteer work for the Oregon Women Judges project, a joint effort between Oregon Women Lawyers and the U.S. District Court of Oregon Historical Society to compile information on all the women who have served as judges in Oregon. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School in 1982 and her B.S. from Penn State in 1972.
Patty Arjun
Bio
Patty joined the OLS Foundation Board in 2026. She is a founding partner with DBMA Family Law Group and has practiced family law since 2004. She is a trained Mediator and Collaborative law practitioner and also maintains a family law litigation practice. Patty is originally from Laguna Hills, California and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science at the University of San Francisco and later made her way to Portland to attend Lewis & Clark Law School.
Patty Arjun
Bio
Patty joined the OLS Foundation Board in 2026. She is a founding partner with DBMA Family Law Group and has practiced family law since 2004. She is a trained Mediator and Collaborative law practitioner and also maintains a family law litigation practice. Patty is originally from Laguna Hills, California and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science at the University of San Francisco and later made her way to Portland to attend Lewis & Clark Law School.
Patty Arjun
Bio
Patty joined the OLS Foundation Board in 2026. She is a founding partner with DBMA Family Law Group and has practiced family law since 2004. She is a trained Mediator and Collaborative law practitioner and also maintains a family law litigation practice. Patty is originally from Laguna Hills, California and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Environmental Science at the University of San Francisco and later made her way to Portland to attend Lewis & Clark Law School.
Jill Brittle
Bio
Jill re-joined the Foundation Board in March 2025 after serving previously from 2008 to 2015, including a term as president in 2012–13. Jill has been in private practice since 2006, specializing in family law cases with a special focus on Collaborative Divorce and other alternative dispute resolution models. Jill is an Oregon native, with her BS from Portland State University and her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School.
Jill Brittle
Bio
Jill re-joined the Foundation Board in March 2025 after serving previously from 2008 to 2015, including a term as president in 2012–13. Jill has been in private practice since 2006, specializing in family law cases with a special focus on Collaborative Divorce and other alternative dispute resolution models. Jill is an Oregon native, with her BS from Portland State University and her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School.
Jill Brittle
Bio
Jill re-joined the Foundation Board in March 2025 after serving previously from 2008 to 2015, including a term as president in 2012–13. Jill has been in private practice since 2006, specializing in family law cases with a special focus on Collaborative Divorce and other alternative dispute resolution models. Jill is an Oregon native, with her BS from Portland State University and her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School.
Valerie Colas
Bio
Coming soon.
Valerie Colas
Bio
Coming soon.
Valerie Colas
Bio
Coming soon.
Nora Coon
Bio
Nora Coon joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2020. She is a Deputy Public Defender at the Office of Public Defense Services. She previously clerked for the Honorable Jack Landau and the Honorable Robyn Ridler Aoyagi. Nora serves on the Executive Committees of the Oregon State Bar Appellate Section and the Constitutional Law Section. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School, her B.A. from Grinnell College, and a certificate in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery from the Harvard Program on Refugee Trauma.
Nora Coon
Bio
Nora Coon joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2020. She is a Deputy Public Defender at the Office of Public Defense Services. She previously clerked for the Honorable Jack Landau and the Honorable Robyn Ridler Aoyagi. Nora serves on the Executive Committees of the Oregon State Bar Appellate Section and the Constitutional Law Section. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School, her B.A. from Grinnell College, and a certificate in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery from the Harvard Program on Refugee Trauma.
Nora Coon
Bio
Nora Coon joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2020. She is a Deputy Public Defender at the Office of Public Defense Services. She previously clerked for the Honorable Jack Landau and the Honorable Robyn Ridler Aoyagi. Nora serves on the Executive Committees of the Oregon State Bar Appellate Section and the Constitutional Law Section. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School, her B.A. from Grinnell College, and a certificate in Global Mental Health: Trauma and Recovery from the Harvard Program on Refugee Trauma.
Michelle Druce
Bio
Michelle Druce joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. She is the executive director of the Oregon Consumer League. She previously served as in-house legal counsel for financial services companies. She is experienced in a wide variety of financial services and focuses on consumer law and privacy issues. Michelle received her JD from Willamette University College of Law and her undergraduate degrees from the University of Utah.
Michelle Druce
Bio
Michelle Druce joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. She is the executive director of the Oregon Consumer League. She previously served as in-house legal counsel for financial services companies. She is experienced in a wide variety of financial services and focuses on consumer law and privacy issues. Michelle received her JD from Willamette University College of Law and her undergraduate degrees from the University of Utah.
Michelle Druce
Bio
Michelle Druce joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. She is the executive director of the Oregon Consumer League. She previously served as in-house legal counsel for financial services companies. She is experienced in a wide variety of financial services and focuses on consumer law and privacy issues. Michelle received her JD from Willamette University College of Law and her undergraduate degrees from the University of Utah.
Sara Gabin
Bio
Sara Gabin joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2026. She retired at the end of December 2024, after over 43 years in practice, nearly all of them as a sole practitioner. She was present at the inception of OWLS and learned over the years how much it gives to the bar that most members did not know was missing: Welcome & support. This message has been and continues to be the “secret sauce.” The OWLS Foundation is an extension of this good work in a practical, needs-based fashion. Sara is honored to be serving on the Board.
Sara Gabin
Bio
Sara Gabin joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2026. She retired at the end of December 2024, after over 43 years in practice, nearly all of them as a sole practitioner. She was present at the inception of OWLS and learned over the years how much it gives to the bar that most members did not know was missing: Welcome & support. This message has been and continues to be the “secret sauce.” The OWLS Foundation is an extension of this good work in a practical, needs-based fashion. Sara is honored to be serving on the Board.
Sara Gabin
Bio
Sara Gabin joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2026. She retired at the end of December 2024, after over 43 years in practice, nearly all of them as a sole practitioner. She was present at the inception of OWLS and learned over the years how much it gives to the bar that most members did not know was missing: Welcome & support. This message has been and continues to be the “secret sauce.” The OWLS Foundation is an extension of this good work in a practical, needs-based fashion. Sara is honored to be serving on the Board.
Suleima Garcia
Bio
Suleima Garcia joined the OWLS Foundation Board in 2017 and served as president in 2023-2024. She is a former recipient of the Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant. She is a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County. She currently serves as a member of the Oregon Women Lawyers board of directors. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2009 and then earned her J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School in 2015.
Suleima Garcia
Bio
Suleima Garcia joined the OWLS Foundation Board in 2017 and served as president in 2023-2024. She is a former recipient of the Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant. She is a Deputy District Attorney in Multnomah County. She currently serves as a member of the Oregon Women Lawyers board of directors. She graduated from the University of Oregon in 2009 and then earned her J.D. from Lewis and Clark Law School in 2015.
Kristie Gibson
Bio
Kristie Gibson joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2012, and served as president in 2020-2021. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Oregon School of Law. She previously served as a supervising attorney and instructor in the law school’s Business Law Clinic. She received her LL.M. in Transnational Law from Willamette University College of Law, her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, her B.A. from the University of Oregon, and a certificate in Chinese Law from East China University of Politics and Law in Shanghai, China.
Kristie Gibson
Bio
Kristie Gibson joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2012, and served as president in 2020-2021. She is an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of Oregon School of Law. She previously served as a supervising attorney and instructor in the law school’s Business Law Clinic. She received her LL.M. in Transnational Law from Willamette University College of Law, her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, her B.A. from the University of Oregon, and a certificate in Chinese Law from East China University of Politics and Law in Shanghai, China.
Tracy McGovern
Bio
Tracy McGovern joined the OWLS Foundation board in May 2022. She has a general civil litigation practice with Frohnmayer, Deatherage, Jamieson, Moore, Armosino, and McGovern, PC. She received her law degree from George Washington University, National Law Center. Her undergraduate degree is from the Catholic University of America.
Tracy McGovern
Bio
Tracy McGovern joined the OWLS Foundation board in May 2022. She has a general civil litigation practice with Frohnmayer, Deatherage, Jamieson, Moore, Armosino, and McGovern, PC. She received her law degree from George Washington University, National Law Center. Her undergraduate degree is from the Catholic University of America.
Shangar Meman
Bio
Shangar Meman joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2024. As the owner of Meman Law, PC, she is responsible for the management and operation of her law practice, which specializes in personal injury, particularly emphasizing cases related to workplace incidents. Prior to establishing her own firm, she practiced personal injury law for five years on the plaintiff side and two years on the defense side. Shangar has a BA in political science with a minor in law and legal studies from Portland State University and a JD from Willamette University College of Law.
Shangar Meman
Bio
Shangar Meman joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2024. As the owner of Meman Law, PC, she is responsible for the management and operation of her law practice, which specializes in personal injury, particularly emphasizing cases related to workplace incidents. Prior to establishing her own firm, she practiced personal injury law for five years on the plaintiff side and two years on the defense side. Shangar has a BA in political science with a minor in law and legal studies from Portland State University and a JD from Willamette University College of Law.
Sharnel Korala Mesirow
Bio
Sharnel Korala Mesirow joined the OWLS Foundation Board in January 2019 and served as president in 2024-2025. Sharnel works at the Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund as a Claims Attorney. Prior to joining the PLF, Sharnel focused her practice on family law at Gevurtz Menashe and her own law firm. Sharnel graduated from the University of Puget Sound (with dual degrees in Business Administration and Communication) and the University of Oregon School of Law.
Sharnel Korala Mesirow
Bio
Sharnel Korala Mesirow joined the OWLS Foundation Board in January 2019 and served as president in 2024-2025. Sharnel works at the Oregon State Bar Professional Liability Fund as a Claims Attorney. Prior to joining the PLF, Sharnel focused her practice on family law at Gevurtz Menashe and her own law firm. Sharnel graduated from the University of Puget Sound (with dual degrees in Business Administration and Communication) and the University of Oregon School of Law.
Julie Preciado
President
Bio
Julie Preciado joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2020. She has her own law practice. Julie received her JD, cum laude, from Willamette University College of Law. During law school she completed an externship with Chief Justice Martha Walters, an internship with the Honorable Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta, a clerkship with the US Attorney’s Office, and an externship with LASO’s Taxpayer Clinic. Julie served as the Region XVI Regional Student Representative for the Hispanic National Bar Association and as the Willamette Student Representative to the American Bar Association. She currently serves as Co-President of the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association.
Julie Preciado
President
Bio
Julie Preciado joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2020. She has her own law practice. Julie received her JD, cum laude, from Willamette University College of Law. During law school she completed an externship with Chief Justice Martha Walters, an internship with the Honorable Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta, a clerkship with the US Attorney’s Office, and an externship with LASO’s Taxpayer Clinic. Julie served as the Region XVI Regional Student Representative for the Hispanic National Bar Association and as the Willamette Student Representative to the American Bar Association. She currently serves as Co-President of the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association.
Julie Preciado
President
Bio
Julie Preciado joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2020. She has her own law practice. Julie received her JD, cum laude, from Willamette University College of Law. During law school she completed an externship with Chief Justice Martha Walters, an internship with the Honorable Magistrate Judge John V. Acosta, a clerkship with the US Attorney’s Office, and an externship with LASO’s Taxpayer Clinic. Julie served as the Region XVI Regional Student Representative for the Hispanic National Bar Association and as the Willamette Student Representative to the American Bar Association. She currently serves as Co-President of the Oregon Hispanic Bar Association.
Deena Sajitharan
Bio
Deena Sajitharan joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2021. She is an associate attorney at Pickett Dummigan Weingart, where she practices under the umbrella of personal injury but specializes in medical malpractice and civil rights matters in Oregon and Washington. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School and her B.S. in biology from Southern Methodist University. Prior to law school, Deena worked as a medical researcher at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas.
Deena Sajitharan
Bio
Deena Sajitharan joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2021. She is an associate attorney at Pickett Dummigan Weingart, where she practices under the umbrella of personal injury but specializes in medical malpractice and civil rights matters in Oregon and Washington. She received her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School and her B.S. in biology from Southern Methodist University. Prior to law school, Deena worked as a medical researcher at UT Southwestern in Dallas, Texas.
Camille Sakamoto
Bio
Camille Sakamoto joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. She is an associate at Brownstein Rask LLP where she practices business law. She graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School cum laude with a certificate in Business Law. She was a 2024 recipient of the OWLS Foundation’s Vernellia R. Randall Bar Exam Grant. She currently serves on the board of Queen’s Bench, the Multnomah County Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers.
Camille Sakamoto
Bio
Camille Sakamoto joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. She is an associate at Brownstein Rask LLP where she practices business law. She graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School cum laude with a certificate in Business Law. She was a 2024 recipient of the OWLS Foundation’s Vernellia R. Randall Bar Exam Grant. She currently serves on the board of Queen’s Bench, the Multnomah County Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers.
Shiri Salehin
Bio
Shiri Salehin joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2024. Shiri is a former recipient of the Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant. Shiri currently serves as an Honors Attorney with the Oregon Department of Justice. Shiri earned a JD and MA in conflict and dispute resolution from the University of Oregon. Shiri’s undergraduate degrees from Knox College are in psychology and modern languages.
Shiri Salehin
Bio
Shiri Salehin joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2024. Shiri is a former recipient of the Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant. Shiri currently serves as an Honors Attorney with the Oregon Department of Justice. Shiri earned a JD and MA in conflict and dispute resolution from the University of Oregon. Shiri’s undergraduate degrees from Knox College are in psychology and modern languages.
Elizabeth Savage
Bio
Elizabeth Savage joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. Her law practice specializes in appeals, civil litigation, and family law. She serves as a pro tem judge for Washington County, and co-chairs the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association’s Amicus Committee. Elizabeth is an Oregon native, with a BA from Wesleyan University, MA from the University of Mississippi, and her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School.
Elizabeth Savage
Bio
Elizabeth Savage joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2025. Her law practice specializes in appeals, civil litigation, and family law. She serves as a pro tem judge for Washington County, and co-chairs the Oregon Trial Lawyers Association’s Amicus Committee. Elizabeth is an Oregon native, with a BA from Wesleyan University, MA from the University of Mississippi, and her JD from Lewis & Clark Law School.
April Stone
Bio
April Stone joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2024. April is a past recipient of the Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant and a past president of Queen’s Bench. She is an associate at Dunn Carney. April received her law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and her BA from the University of Alaska Anchorage
April Stone
Bio
April Stone joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2024. April is a past recipient of the Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant and a past president of Queen’s Bench. She is an associate at Dunn Carney. April received her law degree from the University of Oregon School of Law and her BA from the University of Alaska Anchorage
Maxine Tuan
Bio
Maxine Tuan joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2023. She is the executive director of the St. Andrew Legal Clinic where she previously had served as a staff attorney in their Hillsboro office. Prior to rejoining the clinic as executive director, she was a partner at Wyse Kadish LLP. Maxine graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2015. She is a past president of the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and of the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
Maxine Tuan
Bio
Maxine Tuan joined the OWLS Foundation board in 2023. She is the executive director of the St. Andrew Legal Clinic where she previously had served as a staff attorney in their Hillsboro office. Prior to rejoining the clinic as executive director, she was a partner at Wyse Kadish LLP. Maxine graduated from Lewis & Clark Law School in 2015. She is a past president of the Multnomah Bar Association Young Lawyers Section and of the Oregon Asian Pacific American Bar Association.
Leona Yazdidoust
President-Elect
Bio
Leona Yazdidoust joined the OWLS Foundation Board in 2023. She graduated from Lewis & Clark in 2023 with a certificate in Public Interest Law. As a law student, she was active in a variety of organizations, including serving as president of the Oregon Arab Iranian Law Student Association, and as Communications Coordinator for Phi Alpha Delta. She is a 2022-23 recipient of the OWLS Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant. She currently serves on the boards of Oregon Women Lawyers and Queen’s Bench, the Multnomah County Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers. She is an attorney at the Clackamas County District Attorney’s office.
Leona Yazdidoust
President-Elect
Bio
Leona Yazdidoust joined the OWLS Foundation Board in 2023. She graduated from Lewis & Clark in 2023 with a certificate in Public Interest Law. As a law student, she was active in a variety of organizations, including serving as president of the Oregon Arab Iranian Law Student Association, and as Communications Coordinator for Phi Alpha Delta. She is a 2022-23 recipient of the OWLS Foundation’s Armonica Law Student Grant. She currently serves on the boards of Oregon Women Lawyers and Queen’s Bench, the Multnomah County Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers. She is an attorney at the Clackamas County District Attorney’s office.