Siri Ngai, M.S. in Curriculum & Instruction and Teacher Leadership
Community Engagement Coordinator
She/her
What is your work at the Trust?
My work at the Trust is to center the crucial intersection of equity and well-being through building programs and partnerships that responsively and humbly address the needs of Oregon educators who identify as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+, disabled, classified staff, or another historically marginalized group.
Why do I do this work?
I am unapologetically dedicated to making Oregon’s education system more equitable, accessible, and joyful. To do that, Oregon educator well-being must be prioritized through legislation, funding, awareness, and collective community support. I am here to give back to the colleagues who changed my life and continue to amaze me with their resilience, power, and skill.
What unique talents do I bring to the work, according to my colleagues?
- Siri is equity-minded, open-hearted, and curious. She is especially skilled at community engagement, engaging with others, and advocating for equity and affinity.
- Siri brings joy and positivity to the work. She is extremely organized and thoughtful when planning partnerships and events. Additionally, she applies her expertise as a former public educator to the Trust’s mission and efforts.
- Siri diplomatically shares her personal experiences in education to help us all connect with Oregon educators better. With an open heart and mind, Siri is building bridges to expand and connect the education community.
Previous work/credentials:
As a long-time high school English teacher, I will always be an educator at heart. My education career started as a Fulbright teacher to Thailand with the U.S. Department of State. When I returned stateside, I taught Advanced Sophomore English, Creative Writing, and Journalism and served as a District Equity Committee lead, local union Communications Director, Student Advocates For Equity (SAFE) student club advisor, and Wellness Committee member. I was also a Teacher Advisory Board Member for the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education.
Who am I?
My family is my world! I love adventuring, fishing, camping, mushroom hunting and traveling with my partner Andrew and son Casey. As a lifelong Oregonian, I am deeply obsessed with exploring the beauty of our state’s water, forests, and mountains.
What does well-being look like for me?
To keep myself well, I find time in nature, laugh whenever I can, drink coffee, work on my breathing, practice yoga, read, and spend time with people who make me better and center gratitude. As a recovering people pleaser, I work to set healthy boundaries in my life and to actually say “no” once in a while.