Marina Kaminsky is a Honduran-American policy analyst with training in economics and a masters in public administration from the Evans School at the University of Washington. Marina’s research has focused on understanding how to support under-served and marginalized communities in both the United States and developing countries. Her experiences with research projects in academic, global NGO, and advocacy environments have clarified for Marina how bringing together different research modalities, including quantitative and qualitative research, can help policy groups and policymakers to develop important — and sometimes surprising — policy insights, and lead to more effective and responsive policy solutions.

At North Star, Dave has been active in selecting election metrics and gathering historical data for Portland city elections. Dave was trained as a computer engineer and had a successful 25-year career in the computer industry, with most of those years as an Intel employee. Since retiring he has been passionate about Election Reform, Improving K-12 education outcomes for underserved children, and finding solutions to prevent homelessness. Dave is married and has lived in Portland since 1980. He has two adult sons that were born and raised in Portland. Dave loves being outdoors; skiing, biking, and hiking.

Frankie is a recent graduate of Lewis & Clark college, where they studied political science and data science. They use their degree at PSU's Homelessness Research and Action Collaborative, where they work as a research assistant, doing both qualitative and quantitative research. Frankie is currently applying to law schools and aspires a career in public service.

Joy is a passionate human-centric strategist, storyteller, and researcher with a background in public health, transit, and geospatial sciences. While she currently works in the GIS field by day, she is also an avid researcher aimed at exploring the morphology of places overtime. At North Star, she has been active in conducting quantitative spatial research to guide a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between spaces, representation disparities, and their impact on (voting) outcomes. Outside of research and her 9-5, you can find her managing a non-profit, cooking up a storm, and doing pilates! 

Linda believes that the quality of community engagement that Portland undertakes will shape its future and energize its progress. This view is informed by her extensive work in the realms of public health and community & organizational psychology. Community development work has taken Linda to a variety of settings from small, rural places to dense, urban environments. Linda’s long time commitment remains one of helping groups and individuals find and express their “voice” whether in the workplace, the neighborhood, city hall or beyond.  Linda feels that tracking the impacts of civic engagement efforts makes it more likely that such efforts will become and remain ever more relevant and effective.

Shannon is a Researcher with the Sightline Institute's Democracy program, where she focuses on securing electoral reforms in Washington and Oregon. She's been excited to dig into trends in Portland's voting history and explore the impact of the election changes with Stumptown Stats, particularly with an eye to the future of proportional representation. Shannon has a BA from Bowdoin College and a MPA from the Evans School of Public Policy and Governance at the University of Washington, and has worked on food systems and care policy as well as voting reforms. Outside of Sightline, you might find her hiking, climbing, or planning her next cooking project.

Danny is a seasoned data engineer and analyst with a passion for empowering businesses through data-driven insights. As the co-owner and data and analytics lead at Crossroads CX, a boutique consultancy specializing in creating exceptional customer experiences, Danny leverages modern technologies to deliver innovative solutions. Danny has supported the Stumptown Stats teams with his expertise in Tableau, data analysis, and user experience. Outside of work, you can find him playing music, knitting, or adventuring outside with activities like skiing, rock climbing and kayaking.

Ruby Belle Booth is a researcher at the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement where she studies youth voting and civic engagement. She is passionate about increasing youth voice throughout political and education systems and using data and storytelling to promote equitable pathways to participation in our democracy and communities for all people. She's enjoyed digging into these issues at the local level in her hometown of Portland with the Stumptown Stats team. Outside of work, you'll find her out for a walk in Laurelhurst Park, cheering on the Blazers and the Thorns, or baking cookies.