Staff Spotlight: Dassi Owens
Dassi Owens keeps the organization running smoothly at all levels — from hiring processes, to board communications, to front-of-office activities.
“I like the people at Sustainable Northwest most. They are kind and gentle, but also everyone here likes what they’re doing. That makes a big difference when you’re coming to work.”
How did your childhood influence your decision to work in sustainability?
I was originally adopted from China and grew up in Corvallis. I have four siblings – three adopted from India, one who is biological to my adoptive parents. My parents were hippies, so we went to Waldorf School and spent a lot of time outdoors going camping, crabbing, and hanging out on the beach. I also love sports, and I played soccer and dance. I went to college on the East Coast but spent all four years actually studying abroad in Spain, where I learned Spanish and earned degrees in finance and marketing. When I graduated, I came back and settled in Portland.
How did your educational and career path lead you to Sustainable Northwest?
I’ve been bouncing around different kinds of jobs for a while, including marketing and food service. I’m still trying to figure out what I want to do with my career, but I’ve always been good at operations, and when I applied for this job, I really enjoyed the people I met, the variety of the work I would get to do, and the mission of the organization.
What do you like most about working at Sustainable Northwest?
I like the people most. They are kind and gentle, but also everyone here likes what they’re doing. That makes a big difference when you’re coming to work. People are interested in what they’re working on, and they really believe in their work.
Did anything surprise you?
I thought Sustainable Northwest would have a culture of scarcity. In some previous roles I had, I did not get the support or tools I needed to do my work well. I was surprised that Sustainable Northwest is financially stable and able to invest in the organization and its people in a way that helps us truly fulfill the mission.
Passions outside of work: Trying new foods, lifting weights, and live music.
Favorite thing to do on a day off: Relax, sleep, and go to the gym. Lately, I’ve also been watching Culinary Class Wars.
Favorite place in the PNW: The beach.
Movie on repeat: Star Wars Episode 3, Revenge of the Sith
Cats or dogs? I love them both, but if forced to pick, cats.
