BEF’s Board of Directors represents the voices of our community, bringing together local experts to lead the organization as we work to inspire and prepare Beaverton’s students for their brightest future. Kimberly Ogadhoh joined the BEF board in late 2018 with a background in international development and early childhood education and development and a drive to support Beaverton’s students. She’s taught first grade, worked with humanitarian organizations including Save the Children UK, Oxfam America and UK’s Comic Relief, and written about supporting education for children living in difficult circumstances. Kimberly’s been a Beaverton public school parent from pre-K through high school. We asked Kimberly a few questions about her role as a board member and what inspires her to donate her time to BEF.
Why did you join the BEF board?
I was encouraged by the changing demographics of Beaverton School District, and the willingness of educators and administrators to support those changes. I wanted to be a part of that support. I also have a professional background in early childhood education and development, but internationally. I thought working with BEF would be a good way to better understand how school works locally.
What impresses you about BEF?
BEF has a history of being responsive to stakeholders. I like how BEF listens to teachers and administrators about what their needs are and supports them to turn their ideas into relevant programs and activities.
What do you do as a BEF board member?
I’m currently the secretary on the Executive Committee of the Board, and I was on the committee that re-envisioned BEF’s mission, vision and values recently. And I’m also on the Program Committee, which is really where my passion is. We’re working to strengthen Beaverton’s Choice to make it more accessible, easier to use and more widely known as a funding channel.
What’s your most memorable BEF moment so far?
Last spring, I visited a Safe and Sound 4 Student Success Program (S4) session at Conestoga Middle School. It was fun to see kids finally get back to playing sports and enjoying themselves during the pandemic, and I appreciate touching base with students.
What inspires you to volunteer at Answer the Call and previous phone-a-thons?
Fundraising is something I enjoy and it’s fun to watch students do it. Students who are initially hesitant to talk on the phone grow in confidence during the session as they raise hundreds and hundreds of dollars. That first donation is like a lightbulb, and they see their own power. I just love watching philanthropy become a part of these students’ lives.
How else do you give back to the community?
Right now, BEF is the main focus of my community service. Previously, I was a board member of the Cultural Coalition of Washington County for several years. When my children attended the International School of Beaverton (ISB), for many years I helped to organize Culture Week there, a celebration of the diversity of ISB’s multicultural students, and helped arrange for young leaders from Africa participating in WorldOregon’s international visitor program to visit ISB.
What are your favorite things to do in Beaverton?
Beaverton is changing and I love the growing number of international grocery stores, restaurants and cafes. I want to give a shout out to a fairly new Kenyan tea and chocolate shop, Mamancy Tea and Chocolate, and to Dabba Indian Kitchen in Bethany — two of my favorite places right now in Beaverton. I also love Beaverton’s cultural events, like the Night Market at the Round.
