Ms. Gina Valera-Rentz Bio

A little bit about me...I was born and raised in N. Salem Oregon, just one block from the Oregon State Fairgrounds. I moved to Portland in the 90's and met my husband at Nature's while working in the natural/organic produce department.

My love for produce kept me employed for 14 years and I believe I helped out local growers complete the cycle of local farming. During my last 6 years of "producing", I went onto college to further my goals of becoming a teacher. It is one of the best decisions I have ever made.

My family consists of Michael (husband), Ruby (daughter), Jeremiah (step-son), 1 cat and our 1 year old doggy named Nala.

My most favorite hobbies are: camping, river swimming, the process of creating, recently...gardening, biking, kayaking, drawing all while listening to music!

My HOPES 4 this year are:

We stay in school the entire year, safely.

We all use our tools to get through this the best way we can.

We learn together through kindness and patience.

We are open to change and to be flexible.

and

BLACK LIVES MATTER!

Degrees

Bachelor of Science

Majored in History and Social Science-Portland State University-Portland Oregon

Minored in Indigenous Studies-Portland State University-Portland Oregon

Masters in Education-Portland State University-Portland Oregon

• Member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, descendent of the Salish & Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation, Asian Pacific Islander/Filipina