I am Mari Watanabe, a third-generation Japanese American Democrat raised in the Pacific Northwest, proud to call House District 34 my home for almost twenty years. My journey has been shaped by resilience and service, values instilled by my parents, Matsue and Samuel Watanabe, who endured forced internment during World War II under Executive Order 9066. Stripped of everything, they rebuilt their lives with strength and pride, inspiring my siblings and I to pursue education, community, and a deep sense of purpose.

Growing up, I grappled with balancing my Japanese heritage while navigating predominantly white schools. In college, I fully embraced my identity, founding a Kendo club and an Asian students’ council at Washington State University. Studying abroad in Japan further connected me to my heritage and clarified the injustices my parents had quietly endured. Their resilience fuels my promise to protect all communities from discrimination—regardless of race, gender, creed, ability, religion, and sexual orientation.

After college, I launched a corporate career, eventually moving to Oregon to work at Nike. While I found success, I longed for something deeper: a chance to serve my community. This calling led me to nonprofit work, beginning as Executive Director of the Japanese American Museum of Oregon and later as Executive Director of Partners in Diversity (PID). At PID, I championed diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens businesses and communities. Through programs like Say Hey, which connects professionals of color, I fostered community bonds and a sense of belonging. PID’s Breakfast for Champions training equipped employers with tools to build inclusive workplaces. My work was fueled by a commitment to diversity and a passion for economic development, understanding that inclusive, thriving businesses create stability and opportunity for all.

In addition to my work at PID, I have served on numerous boards, including the Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, advocating for policies that expand workforce pathways for immigrants and support communities of color. I am a Portland Community College Board Trustee, dedicated to keeping higher education accessible and inclusive. I also sit on the board of the Portland Japanese Garden, supporting the preservation and celebration of cultural heritage.

My contributions have been recognized with honors, including the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Oregon Commission for Women. These awards remind me of the work yet to be done, and I am prepared to bring my experience, dedication, and compassion to the Oregon Legislature. I believe in an inclusive, transparent government that uplifts every voice and serves as a true advocate for all Oregonians.

Outside work, I recharge by hiking Oregon’s beautiful trails, enjoying the arts, and spending time with family and friends. My home in House District 34 is where I find inspiration for the journey ahead.