Executive Director, Friends of Vancouver Lake

Adrienne Mason is a Vancouver, Washington community leader with more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, social services, fundraising, and community engagement. Her work has centered on building strong organizations, developing partnerships, and bringing people together around complex community challenges.

Adrienne currently serves as the founding Executive Director of Friends of Vancouver Lake and is the Board Chair of Rooted School Vancouver. She previously held regional and statewide leadership roles with Akin, formerly Children’s Home Society of Washington and Childhaven, where she supported programs, teams, partnerships, and fundraising efforts across Southwest Washington.

Through her consulting firm, AM Catalyst, Adrienne also works with organizations, campaigns, and community initiatives on strategy, communications, and project leadership. She holds a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and is passionate about creating opportunities for people and communities to thrive.

amason@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Community Development Manager, Fourth Plain Forward

I often wonder what it would have been like to attend a high school where I truly belonged, thrived, and felt empowered. At Rooted School Vancouver, I know our children will be provided with the tools to thrive, be uplifted and empowered to pursue their educational goals, while also expanding their knowledge and opportunities for new careers. It is important to cultivate the next generation of talented individuals in Vancouver, supporting them every step of the way, and closing the racial wealth gap. Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, we will foster a stronger community and give our children a chance to participate in the tech industry. Rooted School Vancouver is committed to creating a better community, and a space where our children can grow succeed and excel.

sheila@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Human Resource Consultant
I’m committed to supporting Rooted school Vancouver because I believe in investing in the future of our community, particularly for our youth. As a step-mom to three Hispanic teens/pre-teens, I’ve dedicated my life to ensure they have the same opportunities for success as any other child regardless of their race, financial upbringing or goals in life. 

Inspired by my late grandmother, a dedicated school teacher in the early 1900's, I understand the transformative power of education. I personally experienced the challenges of affording higher education, working full-time to fund my own college degree. By supporting Rooted School Vancouver, I hope to empower young people to overcome obstacles and achieve their dreams.

aduncan@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Specialist, Vancouver School District

I found Rooted Vancouver through a friend who was looking for a school for her Black children. My husband and I looked at the vision and mission of Rooted and knew immediately that this was what we wanted our children to be a part of. I strongly believe that there is a system that keeps Black and Brown people from profiting from the ‘American Dream’. I want to be a part of changing that system and helping our families, as well as for others in our community, manipulate that system to their benefit. I have lived and worked in Vancouver for over 18 years and have seen what a positive and educated community can do to uplift our students and families. When given the opportunity our children flourish and are willing to share their joy and knowledge with others. I believe that is what Rooted School Vancouver is doing and am proud to be a part of the hard work happening here in Vancouver, WA.

lwhite@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Senior Advisor - National Workforce Development

As an educator who has served as a teacher, principal, and district leader, I have seen firsthand that a traditional school setting doesn't always provide the bridge to the life our students dream of- full of economic agency. I have dedicated more than two decades to building those bridges—ensuring that "school" isn't just about a diploma, but about a high-paying career and the financial freedom that comes with it.

This mission has led me from the classrooms of Oregon to the boroughs of New York City, where I’ve worked to dismantle the systems that hold our youth back. Whether I was founding a CTE high school in the Bronx to connect students to certified trades, or, more recently, consulting on a $2 billion national grant to launch school-to-apprenticeship programs in 11 major cities, my focus remains the same: creating the conditions for students to thrive.

Joining Rooted School Vancouver feels like a homecoming for my values. In my current work as a Senior Advisor for FullBloom, I advocate for instructional rigor that translates directly into community wealth. I hold a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Johns Hopkins and am a proud University of Oregon alumna, but my true passion lies in the "Rooted" vision—ensuring that our local youth have the skills, credentials, and power to contribute to a vibrant, equitable community.

alovettuddin@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Assistant Vice Provost, Education Outreach & Collaboration, Oregon Health & Science University

My passion has always been helping young people discover what is possible for their future and ensuring they have the opportunities, relationships, and support to get there. For more than 24 years, I have worked in education across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, and now Oregon, building pathways that connect education, healthcare, and industry so students, particularly those who have been historically underserved, can see themselves in careers that once felt out of reach. Along the way, I have been fortunate to see the impact of this work recognized, including having a day named in my honor in South Fulton, Georgia, but my greatest reward continues to be seeing students discover new possibilities for themselves and their futures.

Today, I lead statewide initiatives that expand access to STEM and healthcare careers through mentorship, career exploration, workforce development, and community partnerships. I have the privilege of working alongside educators, healthcare professionals, industry leaders, and community organizations to create experiences that help students build confidence, develop purpose, and prepare for meaningful careers.

Serving on the Rooted School Vancouver Board is a natural extension of my life's work. I believe every student deserves an education that not only prepares them academically but also equips them with the relationships, skills, and real-world experiences needed to achieve economic mobility and create opportunities for themselves and their communities. Rooted's commitment to career-connected learning, innovation, and belonging reflects the same values that have guided my career: opening doors, expanding possibilities, and empowering every young person to thrive.

jlockhart@rootedschoolvancouver.org

Oregon Director of the Center for Early Literacy and Learning Success, Stand for Children

I am a lifelong educator and the Oregon Director of the Center for Early Literacy and Learning Success at Stand for Children. Throughout my career—as a classroom teacher, elementary school principal, district leader, and education advocate—I have worked to ensure that every student experiences rigorous, engaging, and responsive learning. I am proud to serve on the Rooted School Vancouver board because I believe deeply in its commitment to helping young people develop the skills, confidence, and real-world opportunities they need to pursue ambitious goals and achieve financial freedom. I bring experience in instructional leadership, school improvement, and nonprofit governance, along with an unwavering belief in the potential of every student.

dnerenberg@rootedschoolvancouver.org