BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHARU NAIR
Charu Nair, President of United Nations Association of Portland, brings three decades of insight and experience in private and public sectors to her work, including launching the World Trade Center Portland with the executive team and leading a trade mission, teaching original curricula as Marylhurst University faculty, bringing the first laptop to a country ecosystem. She has served her community on significant board service over the decades, shining a light on causes including human and civil rights, DEI, economic and environmental justice among many others. Ms. Nair’s work is uniquely informed by her deep local expertise bridged with her wide-ranging worldwide acumen.
ELAINE NELSON
Elaine Nelson was on the seven member Steering Committee to reinvigorate the UNA Portland Chapter in 2003 and has been in leadership roles in the Portland Chapter ever since. For the past several years, Elaine has been Treasurer, Chair of the Membership Committee, and on the Education Committee. Elaine is a retired Elementary School Teacher who was raised in Portland. Her parents, Len and Eleanor Hunting, were involved in the San Francisco Conference that drafted the United Nations Charter in 1945 and active in Portland and Oregon UNA.
PETE BARKETT
I have served on the Board of the Portland chapter of UNA, including as President in the 1980’s and 90’s when I was a very active member. I have been married 41 years to Jeanie, and have two adult children, and three grandchildren. As a small business owner for over two decades, I have observed a variety of economic and political scenarios in Portland over that time period. I was a professional musician playing the piano and singer/songwriter for many years and still occasionally perform. I have a blog (PeteBarkett@blogspot.com) with no followers, but I use it to archive my thoughts on various subjects.
KAREN ETTINGER
Originally from Syracuse, New York, Karen grew up as one of 4 daughters of an activist Episcopal priest and his wife who had committed their lives to the civil and human rights of all. This unique and inclusive environment was a powerful influence leading to Karen’s own dedication to the global and multicultural education of children from the earliest age. Karen is a graduate of Syracuse University and San Francisco State University, where she received her Elementary Teaching Credential. Karen taught in San Francisco’s inner city until moving with her husband and children to Portland. In 1987 Karen founded the award-winning Global & Multicultural Resource Center, now the centerpiece of the World Affairs Council’s K-12 Education Program. Karen is the recipient of the World Arts Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award and the United Nations Association – Oregon Division’s Outstanding Service Award.
NNENNAYA UDOCHU
Miss Nnennaya Udochu is a tech-savvy lady who has experience with top tech companies such as Cisco Systems and Intel Corporation. She is an alumna of Wichita State University (BSc) and University of Texas, Arlington (MSc). Miss Udochu focuses in the field of power and customer relations with a passion for robotics and environmental studies where she has published papers and advocates for the fight against malaria in Africa and important topics addressing the issue of refugees in society. Miss Udochu serves on the Steering Committee for Engineers without Boarders and is the founder of the local UNA Young Professionals. She hopes to create awareness among young adults to address world pressing issues governed by the United Nations.
CJ WALKER
Vice President – Communications & Marketing
YASHAR VASEF
Past President 2016-2019
SIOBHAN GUILE-BOESSOW
Siobhan is past President of the United Nations Association of Portland. She was born and raised in Olympia, Washington where she grew up involved in local politics. At 18 she was accepted into Young Women’s Political Leadership conference in DC where she learned how to run for office and manage a campaign. Siobhan is an alumna of Whitworth University (BBA) and George Fox University (MBA). Prior to moving to Portland, Siobhan was the marketing manager on a legislative campaign in her hometown. Currently she works in the nonprofit sector as an administrative coordinator. Siobhan spends most of her free time walking around Forest Park or trying out a new recipe at home.