Rural Community Builder Name: Wendy Birnbaum
Community: Sisters Country, OR
Role: C4C Liaison to the Latinx Community
What is one word or phrase that describes this person as an RCB: Connector
Recognized by: Robyn Holdman from Sisters Country, OR
Tell us a bit about what you appreciate about them as an RCB: Wendy had a career as a family attorney and has been a life long advocate for social justice. She and her husband took a sabbatical to live in Latin America to fully learn and experience the culture, later returning to help members of the Latino community living in the USA. Wendy led an organization that taught English as a second language to Sisters Country Latino families. When that program ended she continued to find ways to support her Latino friends so they could survive and thrive in Central Oregon. When she joined the C4C board she made it clear that she wanted to focus her time and effort on giving a voice to the Latinx community. Wendy serves as C4Cs liaison to the Latinx community. She works closely with the school district and county library system staff to understand and respond to family issues and needs. She introduced Laura Isiordia of the Ford Family Foundation to members of the Latino community and has supported Laura’s community-building work with them. Wendy is highly respected and valued as a long-time friend by many Latino families in Sisters Country.
