Portland Rose Festival Court Mentorship Program
We’re proud to take part in one of Portland’s most beloved and long-running traditions as the presenting sponsor of the Rose Festival Court.
One of the unique opportunities our sponsorship provides is a mentor program where we pair strong female leaders in our organization with each Princess.
Representing Portland Metro-area high schools, this year’s Rose Festival Court is comprised of 15 outstanding young women elected by members of the community and their school peers who exemplify an impressive range of involvement from academic achievement, school leadership positions, community service, and extracurricular activities.
Mentors volunteer their time meeting with Princesses during their time on Court, sharing life experiences, career advice, leadership guidance, and more. This relationship often lasts far beyond the bounds of the three-month mentorship program, developing into lifetime advisors and friendships.
Despite the impact COVID-19 has continued to have at this year’s Rose Festival, this bright group has adjusted with poise and ease. We’re confident the future is bright with dynamic, driven leaders like these stepping into the world!
Highlights of the Mentor Program include:
- Weekly virtual activities and guest speakers
- A virtual Q&A and job shadow in the Princesses’ career field of interest
- A Financial Education Workshop to prep for college and beyond
- A community service activity with a local charity
Meet the 2022 Rose Festival Court
The Rose Festival began choosing their Court in 1930 from local high schools in the Portland area, a tradition that continues to this day. Meet the 2022 Rose Festival Court Princesses!
Meet the 2022 Rose Festival Court Mentors
Mentors will congratulate the Princesses at their school announcements, provide mentorship, and volunteer their time sharing life experiences, career advice, guidance, and leadership tools.
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Autumn FosterMarketing Communications Specialist
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Bernice Garcia-HernandezFinancial Education Specialist
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Carmen RammAssistant Branch Manager, Mall 205
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Char SearsAVP, Member Experience
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Corlinda WoodenSVP, Chief Retail Officer
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Edina RizvicDirector, Payment Strategies
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Gigi GardnerDirector, Organizational Development
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Jan DardenCore Systems Administrator
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Jessica BrownVP, People and Culture
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Rose HalfordTraining and Strategic Implementation Manager
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Lori FinkAVP, Marketing & Brand Development
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Jessica AcostaAccounts Payable Specialist
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Michelle LachenmeierConsumer Lending Manager
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Megan SnyderAVP, Strategic Partnerships
Unitus Community Credit Union -
Michelle HollenbeckRegional Mortgage Sales Manager
Unitus Community Credit Union
The Crown of Rosaria
The crown jewel of all flowers is the rose. In Portland, the reigning monarch represents that rose and the mystical realm created in its honor, Rosaria, and she wears a beautiful crown designed to symbolize both.
The Crown’s Beginnings
Since 1922, the Queen of Rosaria has worn this distinctive crown made of 14-carat gold filigree, featuring a blue zircon at its tip, six hundred white sapphires and seven rare pigeon-blood rubies. The crown was commissioned by the Business and Professional Women’s Club of Portland at a cost of $1,200, which in today’s dollars is close to $15,000. The club financed the crown by selling paper rosebuds at twenty-five cents apiece.