HELP US IN WELCOMING OUR NEWEST BOARD MEMBERS
Zaneta Smith, A Nike Legacy Project Changemaker, Zaneta is a Social Impact Leader. She currently serves as Division Chief of Supportive Housing at a government entity. Zaneta has a 15-year track record of social impact providing support in various areas including homelessness and housing in the non-profit, government, and for- profit spaces.
When she is not working, she is impacting her community as Executive Producer of TEDx South Central since 2015.
A former White House Intern under the Obama Administration, Zaneta has degrees in Social Work and Psychology from U of I at Chicago and Spelman College, respectively. For fun, Zaneta loves traveling, eating, and reading.
Nui Bezaire has worked to end homelessness and housing instability for nearly 20 years, starting at the Downtown Women’s Center (DWC) in the skid row community of Los Angeles. As a consultant for both Corporation for Supportive Housing and LeSar Development Consultants, she provided homeless system technical assistance to communities nationwide and helped launch the first statewide flexible funding pool with Anthem in California.
She has extensive experience leading systems change in local government in both California and Oregon. In Napa she was the county and city’s first Homeless Program Manager. In Oregon, she has spent the past 5 years leading the implementation of a Portland metro regional voter measure, developing Multnomah County’s community-driven implementation plan, and leading regional oversight and accountability for the measure with Metro Regional Government. She lives in Portland with her partner and Bernese Mountain Dog, Count Basie, and loves exploring Portland’s food scene.
Sarah Apodaca is a research analyst dedicated to advancing equity through public health. Her focus is addressing structural forces impacting health beyond individual control, recognizing that a person’s ability to care for their own health are mediated by a complex web of conditions. Sarah currently works in the WIC program at the State of Oregon’s Public Health Division.
With over 17 years in public service, her diverse experience spans Environmental Public Health, EMS & Trauma Services, Vital Statistics, and the Public Health Director’s Office. Exposure to these intersecting areas of public health has fueled her passion for building resilient, equitable, and inclusive government systems that better serve Oregon’s diverse communities.
Originally from Alaska, Sarah holds an AA from Cabrillo College and a BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She has called the Pacific Northwest home since 2008. Outside of work, Sarah is the proud dog mom to Olive, a ridiculously cute and spirited Chiweenie. She enjoys reading, exploring Portland’s vibrant food scene, and finding meaningful ways to connect with her community.
AND OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBERS
Prajwala Ghate, known to most as PJ grew up in India and brings her cultural warmth and creativity to EngAGE. Before joining the team, she worked with the community as an independent contractor teaching Arts and Crafts and building close connections with residents. Stepping into the Program Director role felt like a natural progression allowing her to expand her impact and foster a vibrant, supportive environment. Though she holds a degree in finance, her passion lies in writing and storytelling. In her spare time, PJ enjoys reading, crafting, gardening, and travelling.
Sophie McDonald holds a B.A. in Peace and Justice with an emphasis in Human Rights Law and a minor in Sociology. She has experience working as a paralegal and teaching incarcerated youth in Riverside. Sophie plans to attend law school and become a criminal defense or human rights attorney. She’s passionate about creating true and lasting peace and justice, both on an interstate/national and interpersonal level. Sophie fosters small animals and also takes care of her house plants in her free time.
Eric Carey was born in Portland, moved to Sauvie Island at a young age, and grew up in St. Helens where he began supporting individuals with developmental disabilities. He volunteers at the local food bank and the senior center. Eric is passionate about fostering community and works to strengthen connections and inspire positive change in his neighborhood.
Shelby Goldstein is a yoga teacher and nutrition coach, chasing her love of helping others find contentment and joy in their daily lives. After a fast-paced career in marketing, she chose a new path rooted in connection, growth, and community. As Program Director, Shelby loves building spaces where people feel supported, celebrated, and empowered to shine authentically. She’s guided by her favorite reminder from Ram Dass, “We are all just walking each other home.”
Nancy Murphy brings over ten years of experience building community and bringing street murals to the Montavilla neighborhood of Northeast Portland. Her past work includes collaborative work with Vestal Elementary where she worked with the students to create five murals, in conjunction with the Vestal PTA, IRCO, the Portland Bureau of Transportation and the Village Building Convergence. She will help oversee the design and delivery of accessible, culturally responsive art and fiber arts programs for youth, adults, and families. Passionate about the transformative power of the arts, Nancy sees the magic in every individual’s creativity and how each persons’ effort results is an amazing work of art.
Fernanda Torres is completing her Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Sciences, with a minor in Education, at Oregon State University. Throughout her studies, she has been passionate about giving back to the community through volunteer work with local nonprofits and by supporting families in a variety of ways. Her career goals focus on empowering and uplifting children, families, and all members of the community through meaningful connections and support. Outside of work, Fernanda enjoys spending time with her family, friends, and her cat, Clyde. She also loves reading, gardening, watching scary movies, and exploring new music.
As we continue to grow and welcome new folks, EngAGE continues to bring high-quality arts & creativity, health & wellness, lifelong learning, educational supports, and intergenerational initiatives to our communities.
With the addition of our new staff and board leadership, we are even better positioned to serve thousands of residents of all ages across California and Oregon with connection, creativity, and care.
EngAGE takes a whole-person approach to creative and healthy living by providing arts, wellness, lifelong learning, and intergenerational programs while building community to thousands of residents in affordable senior and family communities in California and Oregon.
Thank you for your continued support!
