Fatemeh Fakhraie named president of the Ophelia’s Place Board of Directors

New OP Board of Directors President Fatemeh Fakhraie (left) with outgoing president Claudia Liontos.

Fatemeh Fakhraie has been named the new president of the Ophelia’s Place Board of Directors. She first joined the board in 2020 and will serve in the role for two years.

Fakhraie has been a marketer for more than 15 years. She’s worked in online publishing, higher education, and the financial industry. Currently, she leads the marketing team at Northwest Community Credit Union. She earned her BA from the University of Utah and an MS from Oregon State University.

“I wish I’d had a place like OP when I was younger, so I want to do my part to help the organization be as welcoming, inclusive, and available as possible to girls in our community,” she said.

Ophelia’s Place is a prevention-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering girl-identified youth ages 10-18 through after-school activities, therapy, girl empowerment groups, and adult professional development opportunities. The Ophelia’s Place Board of Directors oversees the budget, policies, and leadership of the nonprofit that serves Lane and Linn counties.

Among other important initiatives during the last two years, Fakhraie and the Board hired current Executive Director Laura Sanchez, and oversaw the addition of a physical space in Downtown Albany. Additionally, in concert with the Ophelia’s Place staff, the Board committed to embedding equity, inclusion, and anti-racism into all levels of the organization and its culture.

“Having an engaged board of directors helps drive the mission and goals of any nonprofit organization,” Sanchez said. “Fatemeh has been such a valued member of the OP community. I’m excited to work with her toward our vision of reaching more youth – especially traditionally underserved youth.”

Fakhraie replaces Claudia Liontos, a longtime member of the Junction City Soroptimists and supporter of Ophelia’s Place. Liontos remains a member of the Board.