The Full Circle: Meet the Strategists
Behind every policy shift, campaign, and successful project are people working thoughtfully and intentionally to move change forward. The Strategists series introduces you to the 360° perspective of our team members who bring expertise, creativity, and purpose to their work, and who are committed to making an impact for the communities they serve.
Relationships Matter, and So Does Hustle, For The Oregon Government Affairs Team
Legislative advocacy doesn’t start and stop during a single session. It takes time to build coalitions, refine policy needs, identify your supporters, and build trusting relationships with lawmakers and government staff to champion an issue. In Oregon, our Government Relations team brings a 360° approach to this work connecting people and ideas at the nexus of policy, funding, and social impact to improve the lives of Oregonians.
For Miranda Miller and Marissa Cade, their work reflects their values. As Directors of Government Relations, they work with clients to navigate existing systems and update them to maximize beneficial impacts on the community. Both work with clients that aim to address inequitable systems, focus on vulnerable groups, and drive progress in Oregon. From climate and environmental justice, to access to health care, to tribal sovereignty and more, Marissa and Miranda work fiercely to center their client’s priorities within the halls of government.
Marissa’s career in government began when she served as a Legislative Aide to Rep. Michael Dembrow and then Policy Advisor to Rep. Barbara Smith Warner in the Oregon State Legislature. She went on to found and lead Home Share Oregon, an innovative housing program, and create and convene the Sober Inner Portland Coalition to expand treatment and recovery housing services.
Miranda came to S360 following her service as Chief of Staff to then-Oregon State Representative (now U.S. Representative) Andrea Salinas. She was also a Field Director and later Legislative Aide to Oregon State Representative Rachel Prusak. Miranda has spent time serving coalitions and non-profits including NARPAL Pro-Choice Oregon, the Coalition for a Healthier Oregon, and the National Association of Social Workers.
Bringing Their Background to the Foreground
When asked about what makes their background unique in working with partners and clients, both Marissa and Miranda describe their personal experiences in life shaping their work ethic. “We’re scrappy,” says Miranda. “We work hard when challenges arise”
“Both of us have overcome adversity in the past,” adds Marissa. “As a result, I think we share the unique combination of strong empathy and perseverance. We get in this mindset of refusing to accept defeat.”
For both, knowledge, experience, and relationships at the state legislature is a given benefit for clients. What sets them apart is their collaborative, open, and curious approach to every issue. Their skill is building relationships through connection and providing clear-headed advice to clients that inform and empower them through the legislative process. Indeed, anyone who meets Marissa and Miranda will find an affable duo who are clearly interested in having open conversations that inform their strategies and strengthen their clients’ participation in policy-making.
With the ability to connect and relate to people, Marissa and Miranda find mutually, or collectively, beneficial pathways forward. Their philosophy to find the win-win solutions makes them strong coalition organizers and savvy negotiators with lawmakers.
Thoughts on the Short Session
Oregon is facing budget shortfalls, like so many other states. Reduced federal revenue impacts the state budget needs, and this balancing act is a top priority. A focus right now is transportation and its tendrils in the budget.
Miranda and Marissa note that with these challenges, community voices must be prioritized in tight budget decisions. Their work now is supporting clients by finding and cultivating allies to raise the community’s collective voice on their top issues.
(and wildfire mitigation and funding….that’s also on their minds)