Meet
Deborah Kim

Why do you volunteer for PDXWIT?
I volunteer because I want to help foreground new and established voices from our vibrant, inclusive community! It’s been a wonderful experience to collaborate with writers and our PDXWIT team. I’m inspired and nourished by PDXWIT events and meeting new folks — and I feel lucky to contribute to an awesome organization that’s truly committed to lowering barriers and scaling access.

What is your day job or another passion of yours (besides PDXWIT)?
During the day, I’m the product manager at an environmental nonprofit, Ecochallenge.org. I work on our gamification platform, where you can learn about sustainability solutions, create new habits, and quantify your impacts. It’s been eye-opening to expand my knowledge of sustainability and how it intersects with social justice.
In my free time, I write, make music with my partner, and tend a small Shiba Inu.

What has been your favorite PDXWIT project, initiative or event you have participated in as a volunteer? Why?
I loved working with Sakura Cahero on I Am a Muzukashii Woman because I related so much to their experience, and it’s such a bold, defiant piece. DEI is such a meaningless buzzword at so many places — so I was shocked and happy to see Sakura call out privilege in Portland, as well as courageously highlight their mental health journey. I’m proud to support Sakura and other writers sharing meaningful, sometimes painful, stories.

What is something people may not know about you?
This won’t be a surprise to friends, but I love flowerspotting, and Portland is a treasure trove for flowers. During the spring and summer, I often take walks with my camera just to see what I can find, whether it’s calla lilies, parrot tulips, or Icelandic poppies. I’m by no means an expert, so there’s always an opportunity to learn a new flower, and it feels like something is always blooming at any given time.

Find Deborah on Twitter and Instagram