Meet Our Team

Amanda Oborne supports OEN on its mission to help build wealth and prosperity via innovation and entrepreneurship in the Pacific Northwest. She’s especially interested in leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs facing systemic disadvantages. Formerly Vice President of Food, Farms & Fisheries at Ecotrust, Amanda helped develop the Redd on Salmon St. in Portland’s Central Eastside, and was named one of Fast Company’s “Most Creative People in Business.” Early in her career, Amanda honed skills in database marketing in the apparel and software sectors. Amanda holds a master’s degree from Northwestern University and a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in St. Louis. She has two teenagers and adopted a COVID-puppy named Hank!

Alex’s mission is to use business as a force for good to address the issues closest to her heart: protecting the environment in the fight against the climate crisis and building wealth in communities of color and others who are disproportionately disadvantaged. No surprise considering she’s rooted in a family of Costa Rican-American immigrants and Black entrepreneurs. She has worked for Chinook Book, helping to grow a more sustainable economy by promoting local, sustainable businesses, and at PSU where her work has focused on ways to increase opportunities and provide support for entrepreneurs and students of color. Alex is also an entrepreneur herself — the Co-Founder of Good Intent, a low waste shop offering education and sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials. Alex holds an MBA and Certificate in Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship from PSU and a BA in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University.

Mike White serves Polk, Marion and Yamhill counties as the MidValley Venture Catalyst, meaning he is a go-to for entrepreneurs in the region. Mike helps entrepreneurs connect with mentors, investors, and each other, and works to support and grow the entrepreneurial community within the MidValley region. Working closely with local economic development partners, Mike has helped launched an angel investment fund for local startups, and regularly offers “boot camps” for budding entrepreneurs to shape their ideas. Mike is also the founder of Best Damn BBQ sauce, which indeed it is! Mike has a bachelor’s degree from PSU and an MBA from George Fox University. He lives in Salem with his wife.