Aletha C. Emanuel Chavis

Born and raised in Portland, Chavis was appointed Director of Personnel Services for Portland Public Schools, the first Black woman to be a Director in the city's public school system, serving in that position from 1980 until her retirement in 1989. She graduated from Franklin High School and earned her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Western Oregon University, her master's of Education from the University of Portland, and an Administrative Certificate from Portland State University. She began teaching in Portland Public Schools in 1954 and in 1970, as an Advisory Specialist, she worked with a team of teachers attempting to assist schools in the process of desegregation, helping staff to become aware of cultural differences, human/intergroup relations, and effecting changes leading to classroom integration. From 1974-1979, she served as Vice-Principal at Grant High School. She volunteers at the Oregon Convention Center as a tour guide and is a member of three Barbershop choruses. Her service work includes membership in Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc, Interstate Firehouse Cultural Center, and Bosco-Milligan Foundation, among others.