Cyreena Boston Ashby
Board Member

Cyreena Boston Ashby’s work in the public sector spans nearly twenty years. Inspired by her time as a support specialist in public schools, Cyreena went on to begin a career in public affairs and executive leadership. 

In 2008, Cyreena ran for the Oregon House of Representatives. In a three-way race, she was the youngest candidate at age 27 and the only woman, Black and person of color, garnering the endorsements of local media, community-based groups and EMILY’s List.

Professionally, Cyreena has strategized for electoral campaigns and ballot measures and conducted government relations in the areas of racial equity, LGBTQIA+ equity, affordable housing, public education and workers’ rights. Cyreena has worked for the Democratic National Committee, Obama for America, U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Oregon Governor John Kitzhaber, and she was the first executive director of Imagine Black, formerly known as PAALF. Cyreena led the Oregon Public Health Institute as its chief executive officer. She was a partner at Hilltop Public Solutions. Most recently, Cyreena was the CEO of Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest, which provides holistic youth development through free, year-round programming for over 2,500 girls in Oregon and Washington.

Cyreena has served on over two dozen boards of directors and government commissions. Her membership affiliations include organizations she has founded or chartered that address the health and viability of the Black community, global affairs, and women and children. 

Cyreena holds a BA from the historically Black college for women, Spelman College, and an Executive Education Certificate from Harvard Business School and the global business institute INSEAD. She grew up much of her life in Portland where she attended St. Mary’s Academy.

Today, she is the Vice President of External Affairs of the 1803 Fund whose mission is to nurture collaboration, autonomy and power in Black Portland through social and financial investment.