Ethical Requirements for Local Government Employees

This training covers the essential ethics principles for city staff, including the following: an overview of the Oregon Government Ethics Commission and its jurisdiction, the ethics laws, guidelines on accepting gifts, prohibited uses of office – to include misuse of city resources, and identifying conflicts of interest. This session aims to equip staff with the knowledge to navigate ethical challenges and uphold transparency in public service.

Speakers:

• Jayme Pierce, General Counsel, LOC

• Robin Klein, Assistant General Counsel, LOC

We will have a Q&A after the presentation. Members will receive a calendar invite for this event with a Zoom link.

OLLG Winter Conference

• 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

• Hidden Creek Community Center (map)

• Registration has closed

Join Oregon Latinos in Local Government for a Winter Conference on Friday, February 21, 2025, in Hillsboro from 8am - 4pm.

Preliminary Program

8:00 - 8:55 a.m. – Registration & Informal Networking

8:55 – 9:00 a.m. — Welcome

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. — How to Leverage Your Transferable Skills

Speakers:

• Kevin Aguilar, HR Director, City of Canby

Description: Transferable skills are versatile abilities that can be applied across different roles, industries, and career paths. Recognizing and effectively showcasing these skills can assist when seeking a new job or a promotion. This session will provide techniques for identifying your transferable skills, tailoring skills for your desired role, and developing/ expanding transferable skills. By leveraging transferable skills, you can position yourself as a valuable candidate in any job market.

10:00 – 11:30 a.m. — Leading with Equity: Navigating DEI in Local Government

Speakers:

• Eunice Makinde, DEI Manager, City of Hillsboro

Description: In today’s evolving political and social landscape, local governments play a critical role in fostering equity within their organizations and the communities they serve. This session will provide a foundational understanding of how equity functions in local government, equipping attendees with practical tools to integrate Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) both internally within their departments and externally through meaningful community engagement.

We will explore strategies for leading with equity, addressing the intersection of internal DEI efforts and external outreach. Additionally, we will confront common misconceptions and political narratives surrounding DEI, unpacking the myths and misinformation that often hinder progress. Through real-world examples and interactive discussion, participants will leave with actionable insights to nurture equity within their departments and drive meaningful change in their communities.

Join us as we move beyond fear-based narratives and toward a hopeful, solutions-oriented approach to equity in local government.

11:30 – 12:45 p.m. — Lunch

12:45 – 1:45 p.m. — How to Advocate for Yourself

Speakers:

• Sandy Galvez, Human Resources Manager, City of Hood River

Description: Speaking up for yourself at work can be daunting, but it’s a key skill for personal and professional success. This session will provide simple, practical tips to help you advocate for your needs, whether it’s asking for a raise, adjusting your schedule, or seeking new opportunities. You’ll leave with a better understanding of how to prepare for these conversations and communicate your goals clearly. Join us for a supportive and encouraging discussion that will help you feel more confident in taking the next step in your career.

1:45 – 2:45 p.m. – How to Navigate Workplace Relationships

Speakers:

• Sharon Harris, Senior Consultant - Human Resources & Organizational Development, CIS

Description: In today’s fast-paced work environments, navigating relationships with supervisors, colleagues, and subordinates can be tricky—especially when things get tense. This session is designed to give you practical, actionable tips for building and maintaining positive relationships in any professional setting, even during challenging conversations. You’ll learn how to communicate effectively with people at all levels, manage emotions, and handle difficult topics with grace. Using real-world examples, humor, and relatable stories, this session will help you master the art of managing workplace dynamics, whether you're giving constructive feedback, leading a team, or dealing with a tricky colleague. With these strategies, you'll leave with the confidence to approach any workplace situation, no matter how tough, with clarity and poise.

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. – Networking Break

3:00 – 4:00 p.m. – Immigration, Sanctuary State, and Impact on Us in Local Government

Description: The recent news of executive orders and concerns on colleagues, friends, or family being target has been an unsettling time for everyone. Everyone, regardless of status, could be impacted and it is important to understand the roles cities have as the federal government proceeds. We will present Oregon Sanctuary State laws, breakout into groups to hold discussions, and reconvene to share what we learned from our group.

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. – Happy Hour

Preparing a Budget

This session will cover why Oregon’s budgeting system is considered one of the most progressive in the nation. It will provide an overview of best practices, tools, and strategies to optimize budgeting processes, community engagement, and procurement practices.  Whether you've created a dozen budgets or are new to the field, this session offers valuable insights and practical guidance to enhance your effectiveness in managing the municipal budgeting process.

Speakers:

• Erin Reynolds, City Manager, Florence 

• Megan Messmer, Assistant City Manager/PIO, Florence

We will have a Q&A after the presentation. Members will receive a calendar invite for this event with a Zoom link.

Join Oregon Latinos in Local Government for a Fall Conference on Friday, September 20, 2024 in Portland from 9am - 4pm.

Online Registration is Closed.

Preliminary Program

9:00 - 9:25 a.m. — Registration

9:25 - 9:30 a.m. — Welcome

9:30 - 10:00 a.m. — Introduction to Latinos in Government Alliance (LIGA) with Irma Coleman and Betsy Rodriguez Ruef

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. — Mastering Public Speaking in English and Spanish

Speaker:

• Osvaldo “Ozzie” Gonzalez, Principal, P3 Consulting

Description: Ozzie Gonzalez will delve into the core principles of effective communication, with a focus on both verbal and non-verbal techniques to enhance message delivery. He will examine the nuanced role of body language, eye contact, and gestures in reinforcing spoken content, alongside verbal strategies such as tone, pacing, and articulation, particularly in the context of bilingual communication to engage diverse audiences. Additionally, Ozzie will explore methods to captivate the audience’s imagination, ensuring that your presentations are not only informative but also compelling and memorable.

11:15 - 12:15 p.m. — Understanding the Many Layers of Conflict in the Workplace

Speaker:

• Veronica M. Bañuelos, Founder/Principal, Veronica Bañuelos Consulting, LLC

Description: In this session, we will focus on groups and systemic dynamics to understand the weight of collective conflict. Attendees will understand the predictable places where conflict lives in an organization and plan for it as we learn to include the resistance in our work. 

12:15 - 1:30 p.m. — Networking Lunch

1:30 - 2:30 p.m. — Mastering the Art of Contract Negotiation

Speakers:

• Kenna West, Independence City Manager

• Rochelle Roaden, Monmouth City Manager

Description: Imagine you’re offered your first city or county manager position and now the executive board would like to offer you a contract. How do you know what to look for? Join us for an insightful session on navigating the complexities of salary negotiations and employment contracts in the public sector. Equip yourself with the tools and knowledge needed to negotiate like a pro and ensure that your next employment contract reflects your true value.

2:45 - 3:45 p.m. — Project Management 101

Speakers:

• Jennifer Powers, Waste Prevention Outreach Manager, Metro

• Lisa Clark, Program Coordinator, Metro

Description: Projects happen at work, and with or without official training, you may find yourself managing one! Join Lisa Clark and Jennifer Powers, two unofficially trained project managers, as they guide you through the basics of managing a successful project. They’ll share tips on setting clear goals, staying in touch with your team, and working with key stakeholders. Plus, you'll have the chance to reflect on your own work and see how these ideas apply.

3:45 - 4:00 p.m. Closing Remarks

Please join us for an off-site happy hour afterwards! Location details will be shared as we close out the conference.

Thank you to our generous sponsors

How to set up interpreters and translators for successful assignments

On Thursday, May 2, we will bring you a presentation on language access 101, featuring the City of Portland’s Citywide Language Access Program Manager. This week we are zooming into one aspect of language access: working with vendors who offer translation and interpretation services.

We will welcome Carlos Nuñez, president of Oregon Certified, to talk about interpretation and Stacey Brown, owner of MindLink Resources, to talk about translation. Each of their presentations will help us understand:

• The work both interpreters and translators do (the standards and ethics they must uphold).

• How they vet their interpreters and translators within their businesses.

• What common challenges they face with clients who contract them for their services.

• Best practices for working together so that we as government workers can set up translators and interpreters to do their best work.

We will have a Q&A after their presentations. Members will receive a calendar invite for this event with a Zoom link.

Language Access 101: Institutionalizing language justice through a systems change approach

Join us for a bonus Café con Leche in early May to learn about language access. We will welcome the City of Portland’s Tatiana Elejalde whose presentation will include:

• An introduction to the City of Portland’s Citywide Language Access Program, including roles and responsibilities of the program and city bureaus and offices.

• A description of the program’s approach to institutionalizing language justice using a systems change framework.

• An overview of the city’s legal obligations and city policy.

• An overview of the elements of a language access plan.

We will have a Q&A at the end of Tatiana’s presentation. Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.

Becoming a manager

Join us at our next Café con Leche on Thursday, March 14 at 11 a.m. for a panel discussion on what it takes to become a manager. We’ll have a conversation with experienced managers about:

• The skills to develop to be strong candidates for manager or supervisor roles.

• The type of opportunities to seek to build these skills and experiences.

• The essential skills to continue to develop and cultivate when becoming a manager or supervisor.

We’ll hear from Courtney Patterson and Darwin Eustaquio from Metro, and Madison Thesing from the City of Lake Oswego.

Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.

Join Oregon Latinos in Local Government for a Winter Conference on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024 in Lake Oswego from 9 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.

Registration Closed

Location:

Lake Oswego Council Chambers
380 A Avenue
Lake Oswego, OR 97034

Council Chambers is located on the third floor of the Lake Oswego City Hall.

Preliminary Program

9:00 - 9:25 am - Registration

9:25 - 9:30 am - Welcome

9:30 - 10:30 am - The Art of Networking for Success

Speakers:

• Guilian del Rio, Equity Program Manager, City of Lake Oswego and OLLG Board Member

• Danny Morato, Supplier Diversity Administrator, City of Hillsboro and OLLG Board Member

Description: In a world where connections drive opportunities, mastering the art of networking is essential for personal and professional success. “The Art of Networking for Success” is a dynamic and interactive presentation/training designed to equip OLLG members with the skills and strategies needed to build meaningful connections, foster relationships, and leverage their network for career advancement.

During this session, participants will delve into the transformative power of networking, exploring its profound impact on professional growth. Recognizing the dynamic nature of networks in various contexts, attendees will gain insights into the value of fostering diverse connections. Cultivating meaningful connections takes center stage as participants understand the importance of genuine relationships in networking. Active listening and conversation skills will be honed to deepen connections and foster authenticity. In addressing common networking challenges, participants will learn to transform obstacles into opportunities, building resilience and confidence in their networking skills.

10:30 - 11:30 am - Finding Your Career Path

Speaker:

• Shelli Romero, Region 1 Area Manager, Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Description: During this session Shelli Romero will share her career path story with attendees as an employee for two non-profits and for federal, state, and county levels of government. She will provide attendees with insights both as an employee with a desire to advance and explain how she has pursued specific jobs within ODOT. She will also describe her work as a manager who supervises, supports, and coaches a team of people and how she helps them identify and achieve their own career paths.

11:30 am - 1:00 pm - Lunch with OLLG Board of Directors Update

1:00 - 2:00 pm - Creating Successful Employee Affinity Groups

Speakers:

• Danny Morato, Supplier Diversity Administrator, City of Hillsboro and OLLG Board Member

• Eunice Makinde, DEI Manager, City of Hillsboro

• Will Cortez, Accessibility Project Manager, Metro

Description: Several jurisdictions around Oregon offer their employees membership to employee affinity, or employee resource, groups. Join Eunice Makinde and Danny Morato from the City of Hillsboro and Will Cortez from Metro to learn why employee resource groups are helpful for supporting diversity, equity and inclusion within organizations. They’ll also discuss what human resources departments need to set up ahead of time to support existing groups and new groups proposed by employees.  

2:00 - 3:00 pm - Municipal Government Functions

Speakers:

• Kelly Madding, Deputy City Manager, City of Medford

• Simone Brooks, Assistant City Manager, City of Hillsboro

• Rahim Harji, Assistant City Manager, City of Hillsboro

Description: Join Kelly Madding as she describes the different functions of government in Oregon. Deputy City Manager Madding will draw from her experience leading small, medium, and large cities as well as her work at Jackson County to explain how the different levels of government operate and collaborate. She will also describe the key skills individuals need to be successful managers in local government. Simone Brooks and Rahim Harji from the City of Hillsboro will also discuss what it was like coming into executive management in Oregon, where there are not many people of color in local government leadership.

3:00 -3:05 pm - Closing Remarks

Contact Angela Speier with any questions.

How to make your public sector job application stand out

As a public sector worker, you already have personal insights about how you secured a state or local government job. But what if it’s been a while since you last looked for a job and what if you want to work at a different jurisdiction, or advance in your current organization? Join HR and hiring professionals to learn how to craft a strong professional resume and cover letter. HR professionals from Metro will discuss how they conduct their initial screening of applications and how they determine which ones get shared with the hiring team. Hiring professionals will discuss their secondary screening process and how they determine who should receive an interview. The panel will also provide insight on how applicants can prepare for interviews and what applicants can do during an interview to set themselves apart from other candidates. This is an especially great time to get reacquainted with applying for government jobs as state and local government jobs are still rebounding from the pandemic. Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.

Optimize your LinkedIn profile

Have you ever considered the importance of your LinkedIn profile in relation to your professional career? Do you have a LinkedIn account but don’t know to use it to its full potential?

Join us at our next Café con Leche as we welcome Taylor Phoumivong, a senior associate and early careers recruiter for JP Morgan Chase & Co, who will walk us through how to:

• Build your professional brand.

• Showcase your achievements and skills.

• Connect with colleagues, business partners and potential employers. 

We hope to see you there! Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.

Community engagement best practices

Did you know that Latines make up the second largest ethnic group in Oregon? (source) As this diverse population continues to grow, government organizations also must continue to consider how to engage with Latine communities in decision-making processes that directly affect them. 

Join the next Café con Leche on Wednesday, July 12 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. for a deep dive into community engagement. We will welcome the following community engagement professionals to talk about their work and community engagement best practices:

• Gloria Pinzon Marin from Metro.

• Christina Barboza from Washington County.

• Kittie Kong from Washington County.

• Maricela Guerrero from City of Woodburn.

Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link. We hope to see you there!

The history of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo, which means “Fifth of May” in Spanish, is an annual celebration that has vastly grown in popularity in the United States. Over the years, it has even become more widely celebrated than in some parts of Mexico. The date commemorates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862. However, in the U.S., the date is more often erroneously defined as Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16.

Join us as we talk about the history of Cinco de Mayo, how it is commemorated and more. Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.

Hispanic? Latino? Latina? Latinx? Latine? Which one should I use?

Several terms used in the United States try to capture our pan-ethnic community. Join us at our next Café con Leche on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 11 a.m. to learn more about them. Ambar Espinoza (she/ella), a public affairs specialist at Metro, will go over when and why these terms were coined, and how their use has evolved over time. She will also talk about the inclusive language principles behind the use of the newer terms, such as Latinx and Latine. Ambar will facilitate a discussion about these terms after her presentation. We hope to see you there! Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.

As a new state chapter, the board of directors would like to co-design professional development opportunities with you to tailor them to your needs. Please join us at our next Café con Leche to share your experiences working in government as a Latine/x/o person, and your ideas about what kind of support and resources you’d like to receive from OLLG. Members will receive a calendar invite with a Zoom link.