Day of Empathy 2022

Alicia Roach

Alicia is a mother and teacher to seven sons, ages 7 months to 17 years old. She is a practicing doula, and began that journey early in her life. She is a passionate, committed advocate for increased support and education for families throughout pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-partum. She believes that every expectant mother and their family should have the best labor and delivery experience possible.

Ashley Dorety

Ashley Dorety is a fierce advocate for families impacted by incarceration, and proud alumni of the Family Preservation Project. She is currently working at a youth residential treatment home (Anisa’s Place, A Village for One), working closely with youth impacted by commercial sexual exploitation, foster care systems, addiction, abuse, and trauma. Ashley is a proud, grateful, and present mother of her 13-year-old Sophia. She is also a devoted athlete, stays involved with her recovery community, and has a mad self-care game these days.

Candice Murphy

Candice started her journey as an advocate for change through theater, and continues that work with the Family Preservation Project. Candice wants to start a community based center around children in need to help prevent gang/domestic violence, sexual harassment, and be apart of teaching truth on African American history giving credit where its deserved and give hope to our youth.

Crystal Magaña

Crystal is a strong advocate for justice reform and increasing the number of women in the trades. She is a spokeswoman for the Oregon Justice Resource Center and a member of the Gender Responsive statewide workgroup. She also avidly promotes women in trade programs, and the Oregon trades for women in pre-apprenticeships. Crystal wants to continue her work as an Ironworker and help advocate for more opportunities for women in trade work

Jasilynn Rogers

I am a two-time published author, from Northeast Portland. I am a woman who transitioned from a young girl who loved to read books in bookstores and libraries, to having my own novels on shelves. Before being an author I am the mother of my son baby Amon. He is my breath of fresh air and the sole reason I breathe. I am his protector, his provider, his security. I am a work of art, I am mommy and Jasietheauthor all in one. I am wonderful, beautiful, and extraordinary and most of all I am blessed!

Michele Plummer

For over a decade, Michele has worked for her tribe, The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde. She has a master’s degree in Business Administration, and a master’s in Jurisprudence in Indian Law. Michele is also a very proud sister, daughter, wife, mother, and grandma.

Michele is a passionate advocate for family reunification. She believes without a doubt that if more women and children were able to participate in programs like FPP, there would be a lot more family reunification and a lot fewer mothers and children getting caught up in the criminal justice systems.

Nova Sweet

Nova is a deeply committed social justice advocate and proud mother of two bright, independent children. She is a LCSW and supervisor for a county mental health crisis response team.

Nova has been instrumental in the successful passage of criminal legal reform bills through the Oregon State Legislature. She is a member of the Governor’s Gender Responsive statewide work group, committed to improving outcomes for incarcerated women. In 2020, Nova was named the Dignity for Incarcerated Women’s Ambassador for Oregon, and successfully convened the inaugural Day of Empathy in collaboration with Dream Corps JUSTICE.

Vanessa Sherrod

Vanessa is a strong and persistent agent for social justice and equality. Viewing the world through an optimistic lens. Her advocacy includes work with the AFL-CIO, ballot and candidate campaigns, and sharing her lived experience with legislators working for justice reform. She is currently working on her Bachelor in Social Work at Portland State University and is a member of the Governor’s Gender-Responsive Statewide Workgroup.
Vanessa is a Peer Wellness Specialist coordinator and a mentor with the Family Preservation Project, YWCA PDX.