learn about our team!
Fatmah Worfeley
Interim Executive Director
Email: fatmah@mapdx.org
Office phone: (971) 231-9334
A little bit about our Interim Executive Director, Fatmah is a third culture kid who was raised in SW Portland. Her father is an asylum seeker from North Africa (Libya) and her mother is an immigrant of Palestinian origin, but is of the displaced diaspora that resided between Kuwait and Jordan due to the 1948 Nakba war. With her parents being displaced, Fatmah became very vocal and curious about the history and politics of the world. While studying Political Science at Portland State, she organized within student leadership and with grassroots organizations. She became involved with MA in 2016 as a YEA! Cohort participant. Soon after she joined program staff, then as ED. In Fatmah’s free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, reading, studying Arabic, going on trips, spending time with her niece or with her cats: zeeko & jamilah. Fatmah uses she, her pronouns.
Why is youth-led social justice so important?
We are hungry, angry, fired up. We are hopeful enough to dream of possibilities and make them realities. And because we have the capabilities to create bridges between generations and between communities. Often times youth are left for the conversations of “tomorrow”, and are often perceived incapable. Youth have been on the front lines globally, they’ve bridged gaps through conversations and programs and events. They’ve led marches, they’ve canvassed, they organized walk outs, and they push conversations on a global scale through digital conversation. In short, youth aren’t for tomorrow. They are of today. And they deserve the space to do such.
With your position at Momentum Alliance what do you hope to do?
I hope to create space for our youth. I hope that with the knowledge I have I can help our youth: staff, interns and participants, get closer to wherever they are going and to connect them / provide them with whatever it is that they need in order to feel whole, safe, and ready to lead!
What's your comfort food?
I think anything noodles or pasta is my comfort food.
What does a more just world look like to you? And how will you play a role in making it a just world?
A more just world looks like a place where there is harm reduction, restoration, and alternative systems that create space and opportunity for healing, and communal resolutions- , no prisons, police, capitalism, and everything else in between. Where there are no systems at play that oppress any people. As for the role I will be playing- I hope to facilitate learning, connection, and joy as a means to getting closer to a more just world. I hope to use the access and power I have by providing folks with opportunities and resource.s
Kiki Ketema
Program coordinator/abolition educator
email: kiki@mapdx.org
A little bit about our program coordinator: Kiki Ketema (she/they) is a queer first-generation child of Eritrean immigrants, and a local abolitionist organizer who values community, accountability, and collective liberation. She is guided by historical lessons, her super rad peers, benevolent ancestors, and Black feminist mentors. When she’s not organizing programs, you can find her kiki-ing with her friends, dropping one art project to pick up another, and attending local community events.
Why is youth-led social justice important? Youth-led social justice is important to me because a just world necessitates the engagement of our youth; we need them to challenge our traditional ways of thinking and to drive meaningful change and long-term impact. As an oppressed class, young people are often stripped of their autonomy, creativity, and self-knowledge – yet they bring fresh perspectives and new energy into social movements. Instead of investing in youth because we are invested in our “future leaders”, youth-led social justice acknowledges youth as present-day leaders and amplifies the valuable skill sets they already have. When we center our youth and encourage their leadership, we begin to address systemic issues that perpetuate injustice not only in our lives, but across generations.
With your position at Momentum Alliance what do you hope to do?
As the Program Coordinator/Abolition Educator at Momentum Alliance, I’m eager to further develop my own abolitionist praxis through community engagement and group facilitation. I hope to create a container for Black youth to connect more deeply with their values-aligned peers, challenge them to sharpen their critical thinking skills, and encourage them to tap into the intrinsic knowledge they carry. Ultimately, it brings me joy to imagine the connections and lessons that will emerge from my role here.
What is your comfort food? I love Eritrean food, a bit of injera and tsebhi or shiro will lift my spirits. But outside of that, a creamy crispy chicken broccoli alfredo will get me right.
Top 3 artists that get you in the mood to start hustlin? Doechii, EARTHGANG, and Tyler the Creator will get me in the mood to start hustling, but I really do love a bunch of different artists and musical genres.
What does a more just world look like to you? And how will you play a role in making it a just world? A just world prioritizes the wellbeing of people and the planet over power hoarding and wealth accumulation. It is stripped of punitive practices and carceral logics, and values accountability and interconnectedness. In this world, resources are shared, houses are full, spaces are accessible, healthcare is a given, and love informs our relationship with ourselves, to each other, and the land. My role in cultivating this world involves doing the learning and unlearning required of us, facilitating authentic community discussions, supporting beloved community members, making and holding space for grief, and creating art that brings us closer to a just world.
Shaniece Curry
development manager
Email: shaniece@mapdx.org
A little bit about our development manager, Shaniece was born and raised in north Portland. Graduated from University of Oregon with majors in Ethnic studies and Planning public policy and management. Joined MA in 2018. Shaniece uses she, her pronouns.
Why is youth-led social justice important?
Youth-led social justice is so important because we are at a point in time that we have to be so intentional about how we organize as a people, now more than ever. That includes making sure that our approach includes persons from different backgrounds. Youth offer unique perspectives, experiences, and creative solutions that are invaluable.
With your position at Momentum Alliance what do you hope to do?
With my position at Momentum Alliance I hope to strengthen our organization and community through the gathering of resources and $$
What is your comfort food?
My comfort food is anything warm that includes a sauce like curry chicken, gumbo, etc
Top 3 artists that get you in the mood to start hustlin?
Nipsey hussle, Mozzy, and probably Erykah Badu
What does a more just world look like to you?
And how will you play a role in making it a just world? A more just world looks like thriving communities where Black peoples health and well-being is not attributed to their race/social status. I’m not sure what my role looks like but I can only hope to be a part of this journey.
Sakawa Sakawedin
Operations and Administrative assistant
EMAIL: SAKAWA@MAPDX.ORG
A little bit about our operations and administrative assistant, Sakawa is a first generation college student at Portland State University. I am currently majoring in finance and minoring in marketing. Born and raised in Portland, and originally of East African decent. Sakawa uses he, him, his pronouns.
Why is youth-led social justice so important?
Youth-led social justice is important because it represents the future and addresses issues that impact young people. It encourages civic engagement and can create a more just society by advocating for policy changes, raising awareness of social issues, and providing opportunities for underrepresented groups.
With your position at Momentum Alliance what do you hope to do?
As someone responsible for supporting and ensuring the smooth functioning of the financial + operational side of the organization, you can look forward to staying up-to-date with financial regulations. My goal is to learn to identify areas where financial processes can be improved and then implementing systems or processes to do so! This allows the organization to function smoothly which means that then we are able to continue providing the programs, leadership opportunities and resources to Black and brown youth.
What's your comfort food?
My comfort foods are Pilau, Mandazi, and Chapati
What does a more just world look like to you? And how will you play a role in making it a just world? A more just world to me would be one in which all individuals are treated equally and have equal access to opportunities, resources, and basic human rights regardless of their identity. In a just world, there would be no discrimination, prejudice, or systemic inequalities that prevent people from achieving their full potential.
Kevin Aipopo
Program manager
Email: kevin@mapdx.org
A little bit about our program manager, Kevin uses all pronouns and is a community advocate, storyteller, and student leader based in traditional Kalupuya, Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde, and Atfalati lands (Tigard, Oregon). Their work centers around the intersections between their ethnic identity as a Black American and Samoan person and their gender fluidity. Kevin uses their platforms to interrogate systems of power, challenge normalcy, and uplift voices within their communities. Through interpersonal connection, community organizing, poetry, and education, they have found space as an emerging voice for Black, Indigenous, Queer, Trans, and Climate liberation.
Why is youth-led social justice so important?
My guiding mantra in youth organizing has always been that I want to be the person that I needed growing up. Youth leaders represent so much of our passion and truth but often find their voices tokenized or ignored. When we uplift youth voices, we allow justice to develop in the most honest, full way. The potential for equity is limitless when we invest in youth!
With your position at Momentum Alliance what do you hope to do?
I hope to support the development of youth in whatever capacity they are most in need of. I hope to listen, learn, and grow alongside my community and staff. I want to take all of the knowledge and blessings that I have received in my lifetime and reinvest them into others so that folks can become who they want to be.
What's your comfort food?
Cooking is a passion of mine so I’m always experimenting with new ingredients/dishes but nothing brings me home like a plate of rice, pisupo (canned corned beef), and white rice.
Top 3 artists that get you in the mood to start grinding?
I’m bad with artists so I’m gonna do genres. I’m approaching the day with peace, it’s always Reggae/Jawaiian jams. If I’m coming with determination, it’s usually West Coast Hip Hop. If I’m just in a goofy mood, I’m gonna hit shuffle on 2000’s greatest hits lol.
Ale gallegos-chacon
Program Director
Email: ALE@mapdx.org
(Aww-Lay) uses they/them pronouns in english, and in spanish Le/Elle. They were born in Quito, Ecuador, and have grown up partially in Chicago, and Cornelius Oregon. Ale graduated from the University of Oregon, where they majored in Ethnic Studies, and minored in Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies, and Environmental Studies (hello liberal arts kids). They’ve been organizing professionally and on the streets for 9 years, and have found great joy in community building, critical race theory, and leadership development. In their spare time they enjoy snuggling cats, writing, painting, tending to plants, paddle boarding, and spending time with their queer loved ones.
Why is youth-led social justice so important?
Youth on a global scale are some of the most oppressed, overlooked, and abused populations. That’s backed by government structures, economic, healthcare, school systems, and trauma theory. Youth lack basic human rights and autonomy, and it’s a particularly overlooked issue in which almost all advocacy and protection efforts are run by adults, that ever so rarely include young people. Now throw in the legacy of white supremacy hetero patriarchy, and we have overwhelming disproportionate violence and poverty to youth of color, queer and trans youth, and youth with disabilities. I believe when we live in a world that values, nurtures, respects, and uplifts youth to lead, we would ultimately have a more care and just focused environment. Youth have way more understanding, creativity, courageousness, and innovative solutions than adults give credit for, and if we could learn to collaborate equitably with intergenerational populations I’m sure we would not be in the climate, racial, gender, and class crisis we are experiencing today.
With your position at Momentum Alliance what do you hope to do?
My goal is to strengthen MA’s ability to carve out a weird, radical, collaborative, and joyful space for youth community members and staff. Through program design and development, I’m hopeful to pull resources together that allow for longevity, flexibility, and creativity.
What's your comfort food?
In regards to home sickness, Ecuadorian Ceviche or Locro de Papa. When I’m sick or stressed Mac and Cheese, cut up fruit, popcorn, or a nice salad.
Top 3 artists that get you in the mood to start grinding?
Artists are tough because it really depends on my mood and focus level! To get pumped for a meeting or social interaction I listen to Kendrick Lamar. If I need to focus on writing, I listen to Billie Eillish or instrumental pop. If I’m trying to be creative I’m definitely listening to Frank Ocean and Cuco.
What does a more just world look like to you?
And how will you play a role in making it a just world? I hope a just world looks like a green and thriving planet, where all its inhabitants are happy, healthy, and safe. I hope that our future generations won’t know what starvation feels like, won’t know what imprisonment looks like, and won’t be so scared of what could go wrong if they are different. I hope it looks like people being community centered in which resources are not only shared, but mutually tended for. I hope society’s inclination will be to help one another, even if we are strangers. I hope there won’t be gendered, racialized, and ableist notions of hierarchy, but that people are free of expectations to be whoever they want to be, and do so radically, joyfully, and safely. I see my role as a gardener, healer, and hopefully teacher. I want to grow food with people, hold space for big feelings, and have wildly restorative conversations that allow us to be free thinkers and creative problem solvers.
Youth interns and leaders:
Mar-Nov 2023 :
15 Black youth leaders in the Young Gifted and Black Cohort
Summer 2022:
Mahmood Jawad - Facilitator for leadership workshop with ~15 Iraqi youth ambassadors with World Oregon.
Fall 2022:
Umair Zaidi - Leading a clothing drive across PNW for families impacted by floods in Pakistan
Previous staff members that we send our appreciations to! For helping MA move forward!
Emily Lai - previous Interim Executive Director
Karla Castaneda - previous Program Manager
Amandeep Sohi - previous Program Manager
Llondyn Elliott - previous Program Manager
Vanessa Dominguez Castillo - previous Executive Director