Tuesday, 10th of November 2009 at 06:39:40 PMOverwhelming Chamber Members recognized Deborah Higa has Member of the Month as she has and continues to touch each of us in one way or the other. Deborah has a gift of ‘giving’.
More times than not, if she knows of a need or even a possibility of one, she is offering to help. Most recently she volunteered at the SE Works event which raised money for may out-of-work persons. She immediately ’stepped up to the plate’ by suggesting that Eastport consider students from the Mt. Hood Community College’s Economic and Workforce Development Division’s “Step to Success” Program. Eastport did, and not only did we gather a group of students to volunteer in the decorating of our charitable ‘Joy of Giving’ event at “Santa’s Place”, but also are fortunate to have a returning student to help out as one of Santa’s Elves! Thanks to Deborah and her group, and of course Santa, many children will enjoy the spirit of Christmas and their families will benefit others by the ‘Joy of Giving’ event.
We all have been intrigued by this unique individual whom is so willing to give and help.
Deborah began her career as a Management Assistant at the University of Hawaii Leeward Community College in Economic Development Programs and later moved on to become the Administrator for the West Oahu Employment Corporation. Upon relocation to Oregon she became the Executive Director with the Oregon Rural Development Council.
Deborah is currently a Business Services Representative with Mt. Hood Community College Economic and Workforce Development Division’s Steps to Success Program. Deborah holds undergraduate degrees from the University of Hawaii and Hawaii Pacific University plus a Masters degree from Hawaii Pacific University.
Little known facts: She was the National Co-chair for the US Capitol Christmas Tree, Oregon’s Gift to the Nation in Washington DC and its festive Congressional Reception in 2002.
Also for you Chamber fans, while still in Hawaii, she formed the Leeward Oahu Business Advisory Group, the first such group in Leeward Oahu that later served as the basis for the Kapolei Chamber of Commerce.
So~ there you go. Deborah obviously brought the Aloha from Hawaii and shares this Aloha spirit will everyone she meets. For this Deborah, we say to you MAHALO!
Dianne Gill
Eastport Plaza Shopping Center
4000 SE 82nd Avenue, Suite #4000
Portland, Oregon 97266
Deborah’s enthusiasm is contagious! It is great to have such an encouraging and inspiring woman part of the chamber of commerce. Moreover, Deborah sincerely cares about and supports her community (as evidenced by her efforts at SE Works’ annual fundraiser), and she volunteers whenever it’s needed. Congratulations, Deborah!