Catherine Van

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEI&B) Initiatives

Statewide

Community Engagement and Equity

cvan@oregoncf.org (503) 227-6846

Catherine is committed to creating environments where everyone feels they truly belong—seen, heard, respected, and valued. As the daughter of Asian immigrants, she navigated the complexities of balancing her cultural heritage with the values and expectations of American society. This experience shaped her understanding of belonging and the barriers to inclusion, inspiring her approach to center the most affected in our communities.

 

With more than a decade of experience in journalism, health care, and the nonprofit sector, Catherine has leveraged her expertise in equitable communications to amplify underrepresented voices and advance equity through authentic storytelling, strategy, and transparency. She believes storytelling is a powerful tool for building connections, driving systemic change, and creating a sense of belonging for all. Before joining OCF in 2024, she worked as the director of communications at Partners in Diversity, led DEI initiatives at the Oregon Health Care Association, and covered national and local news across Nevada, Oregon, and southwest Washington as a television reporter. She is a Gonzaga University graduate and currently serves as the vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility on the American Marketing Association Portland Chapter board of directors. Outside of work, she loves exploring the outdoors with her husband and daughter, pursuing craft projects, and cheering on the Zags.