Discover Women Non-Profit Organizations in Portland, OR dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the Women community through advocacy, programs, and services.
Founded in 1948 by approximately 25 dedicated women lawyers, Queen's Bench represents one of Portland, OR's longest-standing professional organizations committed to supporting women and underrepresented populations in the legal field. This independent non-profit chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers has deep roots in the Portland community, with a constitution and governance structure established nearly 75 years ago by visionary legal professionals who recognized the importance of professional community and mutual support. Queen's Bench's mission extends beyond individual professional advancement to encompass camaraderie, good fellowship, and meaningful connections within both the legal profession and the broader Portland community. The organization has maintained remarkable consistency in its commitment, holding regular monthly meetings since 1972 and creating spaces where women attorneys can gather, collaborate, and support one another's growth. Queen's Bench understands that professional success is built on relationships and community, which is why the organization offers diverse programming including professional networking events, social gatherings, and annual celebrations that bring together legal professionals from across Multnomah County. By serving as a chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers, Queen's Bench connects its members to a statewide network while maintaining its unique identity and deep connections to the Portland legal community. The organization welcomes members of Oregon Women Lawyers in good standing who have ties to Multnomah County, continuing the tradition of inclusivity and professional solidarity that has defined Queen's Bench since its founding.
Founded in 1989, Oregon Women Lawyers emerged from grassroots efforts within the Multnomah Bar Association's Committee on the Status of Women, reflecting a growing recognition that women attorneys needed their own dedicated professional community. Incorporated as a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association, the organization has spent decades building a strong network of legal professionals in Portland, OR who are passionate about equity and justice. At its core, Oregon Women Lawyers is driven by a transformative mission: to reshape the legal profession by ensuring equitable access to the legal system and advancing equity for women and communities who experience systemic oppression. The organization recognizes that meaningful change requires more than individual effort—it requires a unified community working toward common goals. Members of Oregon Women Lawyers share a deep commitment to using their legal expertise as a tool for social change and community advancement. The organization serves as both a professional home and an activist platform, where women lawyers can connect with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that challenge systemic barriers. Based in Portland, OR, Oregon Women Lawyers has become a cornerstone of the state's legal community, representing the voices and values of women attorneys dedicated to justice. Through relationship-building and collective action, the organization continues to demonstrate that the legal profession can be a force for meaningful equity and systemic transformation.
Founded and developed by women working in Oregon's community colleges, the American Association for Women in Community Colleges Oregon Chapter operates from Portland, OR with a mission to inspire, champion, and celebrate the talents within each member. This Portland-based organization welcomes anyone who supports its vision of fostering professional growth and gender-balanced leadership throughout the Oregon community college system. The chapter's foundation rests on genuine community connection, with a board of elected officers representing community colleges and agencies across the state who volunteer their time and expertise. Oregon AAWCC maintains strong ties to its historical roots, honoring the vision of original founders Mildred Bulpitt and Jane Merritt while continuing their legacy of professional advancement for women. The organization cultivates communication and collaboration among women in community colleges through multiple touchpoints, including regional ambassadors stationed at each Oregon community college who serve as local contacts and advocates. By promoting local and state workshops, facilitating mentorship connections, and hosting signature events like OILD, the chapter creates spaces where women can develop leadership capabilities, find professional support, and build lasting relationships with peers facing similar challenges. Affiliated with the National AAWCC and committed to equality, equity, and excellence, the Portland chapter represents a community-driven approach to advancing women's leadership and professional success within Oregon's higher education landscape.
Since its founding in 2019, Women in Music Portland has served as a cornerstone organization for advancing equality and celebrating the achievements of women in the musical arts. Rooted in the Portland, OR community, this chapter embodies a commitment to empowerment, recognition, and cultural advancement through education and collaborative support. The organization's mission extends beyond individual success to encompass systemic change—fostering awareness of women's diverse roles in music while creating inclusive spaces where professionals can connect, learn, and grow together. Women in Music Portland is driven by the belief that knowledge, strategy, and community solutions are essential to transforming the music industry. The chapter's volunteer leadership, including dedicated officers focused on communications, fundraising, events, and membership engagement, reflects a grassroots commitment to building something meaningful for Portland's music community. By providing members and the greater community with access to industry expertise, peer networks, and opportunities for collaboration, Women in Music Portland demonstrates that collective action and mutual support are powerful catalysts for change. The organization welcomes women and allies who share a passion for advancing equality in music, offering a welcoming community where voices are heard, contributions are valued, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive in their musical journey.
Women's Foundation of Oregon dismantles sexism, racism, and structural oppression through the movement of resources and ideas across the state. Rooted in Portland, OR, this philanthropic organization works side-by-side with open-hearted leaders and communities toward real and lasting gender justice. With a legacy spanning 130 years, Women's Foundation of Oregon has established itself as a trusted partner dedicated to supporting those who envision a more equitable future. The organization prioritizes community, trust, and aims to reduce harmful philanthropic practices within the philanthropic sector itself. By centering the voices and needs of the communities it serves—particularly Black women, women of color, and other marginalized populations—Women's Foundation of Oregon funds culturally-specific programming and initiatives that address urgent needs. From supporting recovery and transitional housing centers to expanding access to outdoor spaces for BIPOC women and girls, the Foundation invests in solutions designed by and for the communities experiencing systemic barriers. Women's Foundation of Oregon believes that lasting change requires rest, radical dreaming, and consistent engagement with those most impacted by injustice. The organization remains committed to making Oregon a place where everyone can thrive.
SWEA Portland is a chapter of SWEA International, a global organization committed to protecting Swedish language, culture, and traditions across more than 30 countries. Based in Portland, OR, the organization brings together women from diverse backgrounds who share a connection to Sweden or Swedish heritage, creating an invaluable community for expatriates and Swedish enthusiasts. What sets SWEA Portland apart is its focus on building genuine relationships among members who understand the unique experience of living between cultures. The organization recognizes that settling in a new place presents both challenges and opportunities, and SWEA Portland stands ready to welcome newcomers with warmth and practical guidance. Members join a strong international women's network that extends far beyond Portland's borders, offering connections and support that span the globe. By maintaining Swedish traditions, language, and cultural practices, SWEA Portland helps its members preserve their heritage while fully engaging with their local community. The organization's mission centers on creating a supportive sisterhood where women can share experiences, exchange advice, and build lasting friendships rooted in mutual understanding and cultural pride.
Since its establishment in 1907, the Japan-America Society of Oregon has been a cornerstone of cross-cultural understanding in Portland and Southwest Washington, standing as the third-oldest Japan-America Society in the United States. JASO is built on a volunteer-driven model where passionate individuals and corporations unite around a shared mission: to develop business and community by strengthening the US-Japan relationship. The organization serves a diverse community of over 800 individual members and 120 corporate partners who believe in the importance of fostering mutual respect, understanding history and culture, and building lasting connections between the two nations. More than just a networking organization, JASO creates meaningful spaces for community members to connect—from cultural celebrations like Shinnenkai and the Japanese Beer Garden to inclusive events such as the Women's Leadership Luncheon and the annual gala that brings the Portland community together. The organization's commitment extends to supporting Japanese companies as they integrate into local communities, offering guidance on American nonprofit culture and community involvement. With a dedicated team of three full-time staff members and over 150 volunteers, JASO demonstrates that sustainable community development happens when people commit their time and talent to something larger than themselves. Whether through educational initiatives, business development, or cultural programming, JASO embodies over a century of dedication to bridging the US-Japan relationship in the Portland area.
Founded by Setareh Rabizadeh on January 31, 1995, the Iranian Women's Association of Oregon has spent nearly three decades serving the Portland, Oregon community with unwavering commitment to Iranian-American families. IWAO is rooted in the belief that every family deserves support in raising their children in a proud, comfortable, and happy multicultural environment where bilingual development thrives. As a volunteer-led non-profit, the organization embodies the dedication of women who have invested immeasurable hours building IWAO's presence and establishing meaningful connections throughout Portland and the broader Oregon and Washington region.
What sets IWAO apart is its grassroots approach to community building and cultural preservation. The organization understands that maintaining Iranian heritage, language, customs, and culture requires more than programs—it requires genuine relationships and sustained community involvement. IWAO's volunteers have successfully developed regular services and initiatives that resonate with families seeking to balance their Iranian identity with life in the Pacific Northwest. The association's work extends beyond cultural transmission to encompassing family support and intergenerational connection. By creating spaces where Iranian women and families gather, learn, and grow together, IWAO has become an essential anchor for the Iranian-American community in Portland, offering not just classes and programs, but a sense of belonging and cultural continuity that strengthens families across generations.
Founded in 1948 by approximately 25 dedicated women lawyers, Queen's Bench represents one of Portland, OR's longest-standing professional organizations committed to supporting women and underrepresented populations in the legal field. This independent non-profit chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers has deep roots in the Portland community, with a constitution and governance structure established nearly 75 years ago by visionary legal professionals who recognized the importance of professional community and mutual support. Queen's Bench's mission extends beyond individual professional advancement to encompass camaraderie, good fellowship, and meaningful connections within both the legal profession and the broader Portland community. The organization has maintained remarkable consistency in its commitment, holding regular monthly meetings since 1972 and creating spaces where women attorneys can gather, collaborate, and support one another's growth. Queen's Bench understands that professional success is built on relationships and community, which is why the organization offers diverse programming including professional networking events, social gatherings, and annual celebrations that bring together legal professionals from across Multnomah County. By serving as a chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers, Queen's Bench connects its members to a statewide network while maintaining its unique identity and deep connections to the Portland legal community. The organization welcomes members of Oregon Women Lawyers in good standing who have ties to Multnomah County, continuing the tradition of inclusivity and professional solidarity that has defined Queen's Bench since its founding.
Founded in 1989, Oregon Women Lawyers emerged from grassroots efforts within the Multnomah Bar Association's Committee on the Status of Women, reflecting a growing recognition that women attorneys needed their own dedicated professional community. Incorporated as a 501(c)(6) non-profit professional association, the organization has spent decades building a strong network of legal professionals in Portland, OR who are passionate about equity and justice. At its core, Oregon Women Lawyers is driven by a transformative mission: to reshape the legal profession by ensuring equitable access to the legal system and advancing equity for women and communities who experience systemic oppression. The organization recognizes that meaningful change requires more than individual effort—it requires a unified community working toward common goals. Members of Oregon Women Lawyers share a deep commitment to using their legal expertise as a tool for social change and community advancement. The organization serves as both a professional home and an activist platform, where women lawyers can connect with peers, share experiences, and collaborate on initiatives that challenge systemic barriers. Based in Portland, OR, Oregon Women Lawyers has become a cornerstone of the state's legal community, representing the voices and values of women attorneys dedicated to justice. Through relationship-building and collective action, the organization continues to demonstrate that the legal profession can be a force for meaningful equity and systemic transformation.
Founded and developed by women working in Oregon's community colleges, the American Association for Women in Community Colleges Oregon Chapter operates from Portland, OR with a mission to inspire, champion, and celebrate the talents within each member. This Portland-based organization welcomes anyone who supports its vision of fostering professional growth and gender-balanced leadership throughout the Oregon community college system. The chapter's foundation rests on genuine community connection, with a board of elected officers representing community colleges and agencies across the state who volunteer their time and expertise. Oregon AAWCC maintains strong ties to its historical roots, honoring the vision of original founders Mildred Bulpitt and Jane Merritt while continuing their legacy of professional advancement for women. The organization cultivates communication and collaboration among women in community colleges through multiple touchpoints, including regional ambassadors stationed at each Oregon community college who serve as local contacts and advocates. By promoting local and state workshops, facilitating mentorship connections, and hosting signature events like OILD, the chapter creates spaces where women can develop leadership capabilities, find professional support, and build lasting relationships with peers facing similar challenges. Affiliated with the National AAWCC and committed to equality, equity, and excellence, the Portland chapter represents a community-driven approach to advancing women's leadership and professional success within Oregon's higher education landscape.