we are learner-leaders 

Every member of our team first began as a participant. They willingly engaged in the transformation possible when we begin to believe that each of us are capable of contributing towards the end of racism. We know what it's like to be in your shoes and are learning what it means to co-lead and cultivate the next wave of leaders.


The people who join our team are committed in 3 distinct ways:

personal commitment

We practice what we teach and will not ask you to do something we have not or are unwilling to do for ourselves.

communal commitment

We are propelled by love for our people and desire to co-create a white community no longer attached to racism.

collective commitment

Our north star is ending racism, and we posture ourselves as partners with those targeted by racism.

And because we are actively cultivating learner-leaders, our team is fluid. For this present moment, here's who you might interact with when you join The Lab.

jody rutherford

she/her

Retired educator. Life-long learner. Alan’s 🍯. Henry’s mom. New grandma. Neighborhood walker, 🚲 rider, people connector, 📕🐛, BTS fan. Seeking to end well.

katie stilwell

she/they

🐶 obsessed doctoral student. Educator committed to the Jewish principle of ’tikkun olam’. Runner 🏃🏻‍♀️, frisbee player 🥏, and dancer 🩰. 

lael petersen

she/they

Social worker, coach, and parent who believes all 👥 are good and can 🌱 and change the 🌎. 😄 playing 🧑🏻‍🍳while 🎧 to podcasts, 📖 memoirs in the ☀️, and having honest 💬🗨️.

liorah ruitzel

she/he/they

☀️ Passion for healing.  Uses life experiences to take accountability for the impact left on others. 🏡 PNW born and raised. 🏳️‍⚧️ Celebrating diverse families. ❤️

molly kennedy

she/her

Healer 💫 rooted in love 💞 and justice ⚖️. Creative connector 🌀 for humanity 🫶🏻 and growth 🌱. Wife 👩🏻‍🤝‍👩🏼🏳️‍🌈. Mama 🐕🐕🐕🐈‍⬛🐈🐢🐢. Life-long Learner 📚.

phil barber

he/him

Philosopher-activist often found wandering up 🌋 ridges, 🚴🏻‍♂️ over Willamette 🌉, reimagining the relationship between 💵 and justice or waxing poetic to the 🪴 in his garden.

rebecca ahlidobu

she/her

Daughter. Wife. Mama. Neighbor. Propelled by ❤️. Co-creating a 🌍 where all living beings can flourish. Tending 🪴, watching 🐦, playing with Axis the 🐕.

Sarah covington

she/her

Rare PNW indoorsy person who'd rather stay 🏡. Loves 📚, 😺, 📊, and 🧣 weather. 🪴 mama. 🫖 connoisseur. Research 🧑🏻‍🎨.

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