Our Team - SKATE LIKE A GIRL

SKATE LIKE A GIRL

MEET OUR TEAM

DIRECTORS

Erika started skating when she was 8 years old in Woodbridge, Virginia. She has over 10 years of experience in volunteer recruitment, community engagement, managing teams, and partnership development. Erika has a BS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from George Mason University. Her main focus is using skateboarding as a tool for peace building, youth empowerment, and social change. She is finishing up her MS in the same field and focus. Joined: 2025

Coming from a background of music, art, and D.I.Y. organizing and volunteering, Patricia attended her first Skate Like a Girl WT session in 2018 and fell in love with the community and support that SLAG offered. For her, skateboarding has been a consistent resource for positivity, both physically and mentally, and she strives to impart that feeling to others. Joined: 2023

Carlee discovered her passion for skateboarding as a teenager, and it quickly became an integral part of her identity. Through skateboarding, she found a lifelong community and connections, which sparked her desire to share this transformative experience with others. Over the past 6 years, Carlee has worked with youth in various settings, including nonprofits, schools, and skateboarding organizations. Carlee is dedicated to promoting experiential learning and play for both youth and adults and believes deeply in the positive impact of skateboarding. Year Joined: 2024

PROGRAM MANAGERS

PROGRAM STAFF

Collin started skateboarding in 2018. At 51, they were struggling to find a skate community. Their first Women and/or Trans session was life-changing, and immediately they began volunteering and spreading the word about Skate Like a Girl to every non-traditional skater they met. A longtime Portlander, they are thankful for the opportunity to help make the city they love a better place for everyone — one skateboard at a time.

Gabe is just stoked to be here! They started skating as an adult, and found their way to Skate Like A Girl first as an interested observer, then as a participant at Women and Trans sessions. Having almost no athletic background, they are excited to have found a sport and community through which they can learn and better themselves. When they’re not skating, they enjoy singing karaoke, playing video games, and trying their hand at any crafting project they can think of. A lifelong passion for developing and expanding community drives their passion for everything Skate Like A Girl stands for.

When Jacque began skateboarding during the pandemic she would only skate in the early morning when the park was empty. The skate community was intimidating and she didn’t feel like she had a place there despite her passion to learn. Jacque pursued a position with SkateLikeAGirl because she wanted to help other non-traditional skaters feel welcomed and empowered in skateboarding. Joined: 2023

Maxine got into skating with the encouragement of her sibling, and has been at it for almost 2 years. With Skate Like a Girl, Maxine has been able to learn how to skate in an inclusive, intimidation-free environment and now skating is part of her everyday routine.

Mara Lei Monteiro is a skater and creative originally from Hawaii but now based in Portland. They spend a lot of their time teaching lessons with youth and adults who are finding their place in the skate community. When they’re not coaching, Mara works at Commonwealth Skate shop/park and films, edits, or shoots photos at local spots. Mara is working toward a BS in Film, and she has shot and edited a handful of videos for Skate Like a Girl Portland.

Jo is a skateboarder and roller skater who loves connecting to creativity, community, and nature. Skating for Jo is as much about creativity as it is about fun, empowerment, and connecting with others. When they aren’t on wheels, Jo makes music and enjoys studying herbalism.

- From Venezuela - Love board sports - Co founder of Patineta Pa Rato and Boom Balm - 35 years old - 20+ skateboarding Love to be part of this organization since day #1

During the pandemic, Rayann reignited her passion for skating, discovering a vibrant and inclusive community along the way. Rayann has extensive experience working with youth in both celebratory and educational settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing from SF State University, and currently works in the event production industry. Rayann is deeply committed to fostering safe spaces for marginalized communities and is dedicated to making skating as inclusive as possible. Joined in 2025

Yejun started skating in college as a means to sit outside in fresh air with friends. After lots of scary time learning alone, she found amazing friends in Chicago through skateboarding, learning about confidence, community, and having a good time. Yejun moved to Seattle to start graduate school at UW, and is so happy to get to support spaces for new and non-traditional skaters.

Diana has been with Skate Like a Girl for about a year now and has loved being involved in the community it has brought them. It has taught them that skateboarding is so much more than a sport/hobby but an outlet to express yourself, and show up as the most righteous version you can. Skate Like a Girl has also been a safe space for Diana to connect with fellow poc and queer individuals since their move here. They also claim it’s their favorite Portland find to date <3

Gezel-Jan loves to express herself through the art of skateboarding. She attended California State University of San Bernardino and obtained her BA in Psychology. Her deep interest in psychology resonates with her passion for people and self expression. Mental health awareness is something she will always advocate. She plans to embody compassion and acknowledge resilience in others, in and out of her role as a Lead for Skate Like A Girl.

Kaitlyn's skateboarding journey began in 2016 at a Skate Like a Girl camp, where she first experienced the joy of skateboarding. The camp ignited a passion that stayed with her, and as soon as she was old enough, Kaitlyn eagerly signed up to be a Y.E.S. member, deepening her involvement with the organization. Now, Kaitlyn is thrilled to come full circle, ready to share her love for skateboarding and empower the next generation.

Jessica has been skating since she was a teenager and has a lifelong passion for teaching and coaching. The opportunities and life lessons she has received through skateboarding have impacted her greatly, she she’s extremely happy to be passing those along to other skaters, especially to fellow transgender skaters.

Kelsey is from Portland and currently studies engineering at the University of Washington. She has been skateboarding since covid. She loves teaching self-expression through skating and also volunteers as a snowboard coach at Snoqualmie in the winter. Kelsey's current favorite trick is fakie kickflip.

Michelle first picked up a skateboard as a teenager, and what started as an experiment turned into a passion.Through her curiosity, she searched for a community and found Skate Like A Girl. Wanting to get involved she joined the Youth Employee Skateboarding Program. Which Sparked her joy for working with youth and providing a safe space for all. Skate Like A Girl has provided her with countless opportunities and led her to meet amazing people.

Cristiano has been skateboarding for about 5 years now and it has been his fuel ever since. Besides skating he enjoys playing and listening to music, building legos, and hanging out with friends and family. This summer will be his 2nd one with Skate Like A Girl! His favorite thing about last summer was snack breaks and game time in the big pool at Greenlake.

Mateo is from Los Angeles, but goes to UW for Environmental Science at UW. He has skated on and off for 4-5 years now and has enjoyed spreading the love of the sport and meeting great people through Skate Like a Girl. Mateo is outdoors and loves doing any sort of physical activity.

Philly started skating during covid as a way to get out of the house in a safe way and quickly fell in love with the process and creative values of skateboarding. They moved to portland to major in psychology as well as minor in graphic design & Gender and sexuality studies. Outside of school and skateboarding philly is also a screen printer and brand owner of 3 years. A space like skate like a girl wasn’t available for them in their hometown so they are passionate about creating inclusive and diverse spaces to help support women, gender expansive, and trans skaters.

BOARD MEMBERS & EMERITUS

Alex White is a former professional skateboarder, commentator, consultant and all around busy body in the global skateboarding community. She is the mother of two amazing kids and strives to make this world a better place for the next generation. “Over the last 15+ years I have witnessed first hand the impact of Skate Like a Girl’s mission to create the next generation of leaders and create a welcoming environment for skateboarders of all ages, abilities and identities. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to be on the board for Skate Like a Girl and to contribute to their cause.”

Stafford is a lifelong skateboarder and proud dad to two young skater girls. Skateboarding has brought Stafford a lifetime of friendships and community and joining Skate Like A Girl has been the best opportunity to stay involved yet. Stafford brings a background in Corporate Accounting and joined as Board Treasurer in 2024.

Paz has loved skateboarding since childhood – and when each of her three kids wanted to try it out, she was all for it. It wasn’t until her husband convinced her to go to a Skate Like a Girl meetup that she thought getting fully back into skating was a possibility. SLAG reminded Paz of all the things she cherished about skateboarding in her youth – community, camaraderie, and the possibility of adventure. Paz has spent the past 14 years proudly providing reproductive healthcare and advocating for reproductive justice in the Bay Area as the lead clinician of the Oakland Planned Parenthood. Paz also sits on two local non-profit boards: the Berkeley Free Clinic and the Berkeley Parents Network.

Andrew fell in love with skateboarding at the age of 12 and has spent the last 17 years producing digital content and branded social media campaigns within the skateboarding industry. He was introduced to Skate Like A Girl through a mutual friend and is passionate about SLAG’s mission to create a more inclusive and diverse environment within skateboarding. Andrew hopes that through unique and engaging TikTok and YouTube content he can help SLAG build a more equitable skateboarding community.

Jen has been deeply immersed in skate and snowboard culture most of her life. She discovered Skate Like A Girl and started attending WT Sessions in the SF Bay Area to get back into skating. Soon her own kid started skating participating on youth programs. As a parent and program participant, volunteer and board member, Jen hopes to widen Skate Like A Girls impact.

Skateboarding has been one of the most important things in George's life. Skating for over 30 years has sparked many friendships, brought travel opportunities, and built a far-reaching and supportive community of connections. George has hoped that his work with Skate Like A Girl can bring more folks into the world of skateboarding so they can share in the support that he has experienced. Year Joined: 2020

Zack joined Skate Like a Girl's Board in 2024 but has long been a big fan of Skate Like a Girl and its mission. A lifelong public interest advocate and organizer, Zack currently lives with his family in Portland, where he works an employment attorney and serves on the Board of his neighborhood association.

Elizabeth is a lifelong labor organizer and passionate advocate for solidarity, who first became involved with Skate Like a Girl at the age of 15 in 2004 by teaching skate clinics. With over twenty years of love for Skate Like A Girl, she now proudly supports her four kiddos as they learn to skate through the same organization that helped shape her youth. Elizabeth is excited to serve on the board, witnessing firsthand how skateboarding fosters confidence and community. “Being part of Skate Like a Girl means nurturing a space where folks can discover their strength, organize and build solidarity with each other. Joined: 2024

Devon is a Colorado-based fundraiser with experience in higher education, where she supports donor engagement and strategy. She’s been skateboarding for four years and quickly found a sense of home in the skate community, drawn to its creativity, grit, and strong sense of belonging. Devon is especially passionate about creating more space for women and gender-diverse skaters and is honored to support that mission as a board member. She rides for Yew Skateboards and is excited to help create real change in a community that has given her so much. Year Joined: 2025

Amalia’s first intro to Skate Like A Girl revolved around bringing her kids to summer skate camps, weekly lessons, and open skates. Amalia highly values the inclusive space that SLAG promotes. After seeing the positive impact of the staff, not just with her kids, but in the larger community, doing more with the organization became a priority. Though she grew up in the Bay Area, Amalia has spent the last 15+ years working as local optometrist in Seattle. You can find her on most Monday and Thursday nights cheering on the local Seattle skaters at SLAG W/T nights.

Branden is an advocate for Skate Like A Girl, for positive social change, and for the wonders that the right tech can bring to an organization. Branden brings a wealth of knowledge regarding software and technology that allows SLAG to run smoothly and have capacity to grow in safe and efficient ways as an organization.

Bill is a CPA who was introduced to skateboarding in Seattle when his child, Sage, kept bringing home a skateboard, sleeping with it, and boarding for hours daily. Sage had a lifetime love of skating, in many ways it was Sage’s life’s primary passion right up until the day in October 2017 when they lost a fight with cancer. Sage had a deep commitment and love for Skate Like A Girl and its mission. Sage did not like competitions and instead just loved shredding and being non-conventional in performing tricks, laughing, and staying positive with skateboarders at the park. Bill wants to honor Sage by continuing the work of Skate Like a Girl to promote inclusion, love, positivity centered around a deck, wheels, and trucks, while having fun and growing the skating community. Year Joined: 2021

Lauren is a 3rd year law student at Seattle University School of Law. She will be graduating in May of 2022 and has primarily worked for legal aid organizations serving marginalized communities. Lauren began learning how to skateboard after leaving the military in 2019 and found Skate Like a Girl on Instagram. After attending Get on Board 2020, she immediately knew she wanted to get more involved with Skate Like a Girl. Year Joined: 2021

Ripley has been a part of the SLAG community long before she joined the board as a avid volunteer in the bay area. Ripley is passionate about community outreach, fundraising, and beginner instruction for all ages and abilities. She enjoy sharing Skate Like a Girl’s mission with new community members and partners. Year Joined: 2018

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