

"Leadership is an action, not a position."
- Donald McGannon
LEADERSHIP
Squires values the representation of fathers we serve and has a long-standing commitment to seeking out speakers, facilitators, support organizations, and points of contact that reflect the community we server. This is an important component of our work and are dedicated to ensuring lived experiences are valued. As such we have a leadership program to help elevate the dads we serve into leadership at Squire, This program is call Knight Project
BOARD
Our board is a diverse group of individuals who share a common passion supporting young parents. With former teen dads, Squires Knights, and experienced professionals in our team, we bring a unique perspective to our mission. Our long-time volunteers also play a crucial role in helping us achieve our. Together, we committed to making a positive in the lives of young dads"
PRESIDENT

Anthony Brian Alexander Avila - The Dalles, OR
Property Maintenance- Chenowith Rim Apartments
Graduate- Milwaukie High School, Squires Knight, Teen Father
TREASURER

Renee Marie Taylor - Happy Valley, OR
Retired Teen Parent Daycare Provider- NCSD
Rotarian
SECRETARY

Elizabeth Sowards - Milwaukie, OR
Staffer- Kaiser Permanente
Squires Volunteer
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Dean Cramer - Milwaukie, OR
Business Partner- New Horizon Tek
Squires Volunteer
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David A. Carvajal - Gresham, OR
Truck Driver- Penske
Graduate: Centennial High School, Squires Knight, Young Father
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Jerome Smith - Portland, OR
Retail- Nike,
Graduate Roosevelt High School, Participant at The Portland Fathering Center, Teen Father
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Squires was originally designed around the information available and personal experience of our founder and Executive Director who became a dad at 15.
The limited information available, showed that the programs that found success were congruent with his experience. These programs provided non-judgmental support that included education, tools, and opportunities for being a better provider.
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PRESIDENT

Executive Director & Founder - Shanne Sowards
Teen Father Mentor - Portland Public Schools,
Early Childhood Specialist - Impact NW
Graduate- Milwaukie High School, Teen Father
STEERING COMMITTEE
PRESIDENT

The communities we serve are also represented through our Steering Committee which is made up of young dads who have completed the Knight Project to become Knights, some board members, and community members.
KNIGHT PROJECT
Upon completion each Squire will have completed 50 hours of reading to their child, 2 financial literacy classes, 2 parenting education classes, attended 2 major Squires events, and at least 5 of the 6 special Knight Project meetings. Each meeting with a different theme reaffirming parenting with intentionality.Upon completion of the Knight Project, young fathers are eligible to be part of the steering committee.
PRESIDENT

This achievement also recognizes our Knights as a peer mentor. With the opportunity to participate in our steering committee. As well as any open board members positions. Knights are a visual part of leadership, planning, educating, and dreaming.
Our internal leadership will have opportunities for personal growth, and be a part of what Squires is to become.