Meet Kina Chadwick
Kina is a parent of two fierce and beautiful brown children who attend Bend-La Pine Schools.
Kina and their siblings are first-generation college graduates. Their father enlisted in the U.S. Air Force directly after graduating from high school and later retired after serving for more than 20 years. Kina’s mother emigrated from the Philippines and eventually earned her GED while raising three children and working full-time. Kina has always been acutely aware of the dedication, perseverance and sacrifices that had been made on their behalf. It is this grit and these values that drive Kina’s passion for quality public education and access for all.
As someone who is biracial and part of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, Kina has been on the receiving end of discrimination and harassment. They know what it feels like to be excluded. On the contrary, Kina has also had pivotal moments when Black and Brown teachers saw something in them and went out of their way to ensure Kina felt heard, seen, and empowered. These moments of belonging fuel Kina’s passion for elevating youth in our community. Students experience these remarkable moments at celebrations like Juneteenth and at programs like the Youth Equity Leadership Summit. This is why Kina volunteers their time to plan and host these life-changing events for students.
As the incumbent, Kina is already demonstrating their ability to serve the community
THE RIGHT KIND OF EXPERIENCE
In addition to serving on the School Board for the past three years, Kina is currently the Program Director at Gender Hive, an organization dedicated to improving access to trans-inclusive and gender-affirming care in Central Oregon. Prior to their role at Gender Hive, Kina was employed by Willis Towers Watson (WTW), where they worked with national and global organizations to develop strategic employee listening plans, administer employee engagement and experience surveys, and deliver executive results summaries. Kina is also a former Core Area Advisory Board Member for the City of Bend.
Kina’s leadership prioritizes listening to students, staff, and constituents; being present and transparent; practicing empathy and discernment; and consistently showing up. Kina’s approach to working with their fellow school board members has always come from a place of curiosity, collaboration, and a growth mindset.
COMMITMENT TO THE COMMUNITY
- As a parent of BLS students, I’m invested in seeing our schools flourish.
- I am dedicated to improving the workplace environment for all educators and staff.
- It’s our duty to meet each child where they are with empathy, support, and resources.
It has been an honor serving on the School Board, especially as we stand firm against unlawful directives. It’s imperative to remain consistent and proactive in safeguarding ALL students and staff from far-right extremists.