Secretary Fagan Presents the John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards & National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Awards
Winners include Imagine Black, a Portland-area nonprofit promoting civic engagement and voting education, Pat Reser of the Reser Family Foundation for philanthropic contributions, and Elizabeth Braatz, a Western Oregon University student leader for the Oregon Student Association.
Oregon Secretary of State Shemia Fagan is the Western Region Vice President of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS). On behalf of NASS, Secretary Fagan is proud to announce the winners of the 2022 John Lewis Youth Leadership Awards and the NASS Medallion Awards to an incredibly committed group of Oregonians.
“The young people, leaders and organizations recognized this year embody the spirit of civic engagement that is so deeply needed today,” said Secretary Fagan. “Each and every one of this year’s winners is building something at a time when far too many people are focused on tearing things down. It’s hard to build trust, to build community or to strengthen the connections between people, but that’s what it takes to move our state forward. I am heartened by their talent and commitment to making Oregon a better place for everyone who lives and works here.”
The 2022 John Lewis Youth Leadership and the National Secretaries of State Medallion Awards Winners Are:
• Taneesh Greg is awarded the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award for serving as the Oregon Kid Governor in 2021. Taneesh’s platform was ending racism. During his term he launched Club Be You, an after-school program for 3rd to 5th graders where students could meet to learn about the diverse cultures of club members. Taneesh attends Springville K-8. He continued his leadership after passing the torch to the 2022 Kid Governor by testifying before the Oregon Legislature on establishing a racial equity and justice youth collaborative.
• Elizabeth Braatz is awarded the John Lewis Youth Leadership Award for her advocacy and tireless work on campus at Western Oregon University. She led rallies, advocated for social justice and was a leader in the black and queer community on campus. She helped make a critical impact on a statewide level as leader with the Oregon Student Association.
• Imagine Black is awarded the National Secretaries of State Medallion Award for proudly promoting democracy, civic engagement and voting rights for Black Oregonians Imagine Black helped provide critical and necessary civic education. The organization’s unique and critical prioritization of the needs of the most marginalized and historically excluded, helping normalize principles of diversity, equity, and inclusive and all aspects of civic engagement. The programs like childcare story telling campaign, afro ecology initiative and DRIP are comprehensive and engaging programs.
• Danny Rogers is awarded the National Secretaries of State Medallion Award for proudly promoting democracy, civic engagement and vote by mail. Danny has worked tirelessly for the USPS to promote, defend, and secure vote by mail has been nothing short of inspiring. He was selected for the award for ensuring vote by mail was and continues to be a success here in Oregon, and across the country. Danny went above and beyond during the pandemic, and continues to provide incredible services the Oregon Secretary of State’s office, Oregon Election Division, and the Oregon County Clerk Association. Everyone who has worked with him shares our joy and appreciation for his work and dedication to protect and defend democracy.
• Julie Yamaka is awarded the National Secretaries of State Medallion Award for her incredible service to state government and public service. Julie’s commitment and dedication to state service and to state government is inspiring. Julie started work in 1990 and came over to the State Archives in September of 1992. In 1998, the Archives Division took on the creation of the Oregon Blue Book. Julie’s time at the agency was inspiring, dedicated, and she left the agency better than she found it. Thanks to Julie’s tremendous work, the Oregon Blue Book reached audiences all across Oregon and beyond.
• Patricia “Pat” Reser is awarded the National Secretaries of State Medallion Award for her philanthropic contributions, which have significantly enhanced the quality of life in Oregon. Her generous philanthropic giving has made an extraordinary impact on life throughout the state including in artistic, cultural, and educational programs.The Reser Foundation has focused much of their work on education, health, art, and environment with people and places across the state.
• Danny Cage is awarded the National Secretaries of State Medallion Award for his civic engagement and advocacy. Danny’s work as a student representative includes leading a menstrual product drive at his school. He has gone above and beyond as a youth leader to make Oregon a better place through his advocacy, leadership, and outreach.
The awards were presented to the winners at an event at the Oregon State Archives today, August 30 at 11:30 AM.
