Our Team

Director

With a steadfast commitment to workforce development and the promotion of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace, Kosti ensures that all employees have access to the resources and opportunities necessary for their professional growth and well-being.

Prior to his current role, Kosti served as a Curriculum Development Manager at RISE Partnership, leading the team responsible for creating educational training materials for Carewell training. His work emphasized inclusive design and experiential learning to maximize participant engagement benefit. He’s also served as the DEI Manager for the City of Salem, launching a comprehensive city-wide training program for employees and developing inclusive policies and procedures.

Kosti’s extensive experience in higher education includes various roles focused on DEI training and development for both employees and programs, as well as workforce development for student employees and staff. At institutions such as Willamette University, Weber State University, Sonoma State University, and the University of the Pacific, Kosti implemented DEI initiatives and developed training programs that fostered cultural competence and leadership skills. His efforts consistently aimed at creating inclusive and supportive environments for all members at the university community.

Program Manager

Originally from New York City with a background in Education and Counseling, Sherri worked for New York City’s Health and Hospitals Corp. She assisted with New York City’s efforts to provide emergency counseling for those affected by 9/11as well as the implementation of a therapeutic child care center for abused children. 

Since moving to Oregon, she has worked for many nonprofit agencies, designing curriculum and/or facilitating innovative programs such as Rethinking Job Search. This program, being the first job search program of its kind to focus on Cognitive Behavioral Training (CBT), was a collaboration between the Oregon Employment Department and Willamette Workforce Partnership. Prior to joining Uplift Oregon, she was contracted to work with the Department of Human Services to assist TANF recipients with engaging in culturally specific treatment resources. 

She currently teaches undergraduate-level courses, enjoys spending time with her family, movies, thrifting for new finds, and is passionate about ceramics and works out of a studio in her home.

Career Mobility Program Manager

Whitney Johnson is an avid dog lover with a background in Communications and Educational Program Direction. With more than a decade of experience in the non-profit sector and a wide variety of program development projects under her belt, Whitney has discovered that her greatest passion is helping people grow by brining them together to build systems of support that help them navigate the highs and lows of personal and professional growth. In her spare time, she is a runner, an outdoor enthusiast, and an improviser with a variety of groups in Portland. Whitney is thrilled to be continuing her professional journey with RISE Partnership and Uplift Oregon in the role of Career Mobility Program Manager and can’t wait to get to work!

Operations Specialist

Born and raised in Oregon, Raquel is a dedicated professional with deep roots in the community. A proud Oregon State University alumna, she earned her Bachelor’s in Management in 2018 and went on to achieve her Master’s in Business Administration in 2023. Since 2021, Raquel has been an integral part of Uplift Oregon. As the Operations Specialist she excels in supporting major events and addressing organizational needs.

Outside of work, she is passionate about fostering dogs and enjoys trying new local restaurants.

Program Support Specialist

With a strong commitment to supporting teams and ensuring smooth program operations, Rodas plays a key role in helping Uplift deliver impactful services. She is known for her reliability, positive energy, and willingness to go the extra mile for both colleagues and clients.

Communicator

Kat is the Communicator for Uplift Oregon, dedicated to educating state workers on Uplift’s offerings and building trust with our state and union partners. They are focused on meeting audiences where they are, building equity and accessibility into the foundation of all communications and helping people share their stories in an effective and impactful way. 

Kat spends their time working to build and bolster the LGBTQ+ community in Portland, Oregon, by providing resource education and assistance to those in need. In their free time, they love playing board games, trying new coffee shops and attending community events.

Program Support Specialist

Anastasiia joined Uplift Oregon after serving as a Bilingual Benefit Navigator at RISE Partnership, where she supported caregivers in navigating union-negotiated benefits. With degrees in law and extensive experience in both the legal field and non-profit organizations, Anastasiia has dedicated her career to assisting diverse populations through detailed case management, advocacy, and effective communication. Fluent in five languages, Anastasiia prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring language is never a barrier to receiving support.

Outside of her professional responsibilities, Anastasiia enjoys volunteering, engaging in cultural exchange, and continually learning new ways to better serve her community.