Smirla is a community-centered systems leader who has spent the last ten years working closely with families, educators, and community-based organizations across the Portland metro area to strengthen and transform early childhood learning, with a particular focus on family engagement and STEM education. She brings experience in community engagement, cross-sector partnership building, and family-centered program design, grounded in a strong commitment to equity and shared leadership. Her work emphasizes building trust, aligning efforts across organizations, and creating welcoming, culturally responsive spaces where families and practitioners feel valued and supported. Smirla is guided by the belief that families are essential partners in shaping systems that serve young children, and she is excited to work alongside colleagues and community partners in this work.
