Janet Byrd
Strategist
Janet (she/her) grew up and began her work life in Chicago, witnessing firsthand the devastating effects that racist and predatory real estate practices had on her neighbors and her community, and beginning her understanding of community organizing and power building. Her career focused on the goal of safe and decent affordable housing for all and against predatory practices that strip wealth and destabilize people, families, and communities. Most recently before OCJ, Janet was the Executive Director of Neighborhood Partnerships, where she had the privilege of working along side great partners and advocates to build strong programs and to lobby for change. Janet is excited to help OCJ engage with community and partners to dismantle and reimagine systems that cause harm and help build a new, just future for Oregon consumers.
Janet lives in Portland with her husband. She finds joy in digging in the dirt and watching things grow, in traveling to spend time with her kids and to see the world, and in marveling at the many birds that fill the skies and the valleys.