Iris Awards

Karen Morrison is a transformative community leader whose work has profoundly strengthened equity, access, and opportunity for marginalized communities throughout Southwest Washington. As the Founder and Executive Director of Odyssey World International Education Services (OWIES), a Black-led nonprofit she established in 2006, Karen has dedicated nearly two decades to supporting refugees, immigrants, single parents, families experiencing homelessness, and survivors of violence through culturally responsive, relationship-based care.

Karen’s leadership is deeply hands-on and rooted in lived experience. She is widely known for meeting people where they are—whether serving hot meals on the street, connecting families to housing and healthcare, mentoring youth, or advocating for individuals navigating complex systems. Under her leadership, OWIES has expanded critical programs addressing housing stability, food access, education, health equity, and youth empowerment, always centering dignity and long-term support over short-term solutions.

Beyond OWIES, Karen has played a vital role in shaping community culture and connection. She has helped steward Juneteenth celebrations in Vancouver, co-hosts The Women’s Mosaic radio program, and supports initiatives such as Free Hot Soup Vancouver and Angels, a space for Black women to gather and heal. Karen leads with compassion, courage, and hope—often without seeking recognition—making her impact both quiet and extraordinary. Her legacy is found in the lives she has uplifted and the trust she has built across generations.

Kate Sacamano is a visionary nonprofit leader, mentor, and community connector whose work has strengthened philanthropic culture and expanded critical services for children, families, and vulnerable populations across Southwest Washington and the Portland region. Over her career, Kate has helped generate more than $20 million in operating and capital support, secured $1.2 million in state funding for children’s mental health services, and led major organizational growth initiatives that increased capacity and long-term sustainability.

Kate is widely respected for her ability to convene diverse leaders—across business, nonprofit, government, and philanthropy—to move complex issues into action. Her leadership includes organizing high-impact community forums and historic events, such as the first Washington State Gubernatorial Debate in Southwest Washington. Through her work at organizations like YWCA Clark County and now through Giving Solutions Group, Kate has helped nonprofits strengthen donor relationships, grow revenue, and align fundraising with mission and values.

Equally important is Kate’s commitment to mentoring women and emerging leaders. She is known as “a leader who lifts others as she leads,” investing time and care to help others find their voice and confidence. Kate’s impact is measured not only in dollars raised, but in the leaders she has empowered and the collaborative culture she has helped build.

Klarissa Hightower is a respected educator, equity leader, and community advocate whose work has created lasting impact across education systems and community spaces in Southwest Washington. Over more than 18 years in education, she served as a classroom teacher, associate principal, and ultimately Executive Director of Equity and Inclusion for Evergreen Public Schools, where she helped lead districtwide efforts to address systemic inequities impacting thousands of students and families.

Since retiring from public education, Klarissa has continued to lead through nonprofit and community service. She serves as Board Chair of the Southwest Washington Equity Coalition, sits on the YWCA board, and is a primary DEIB facilitator for Leadership Clark County. She is also the co-founder of Sprinkle Vancouver, a community-led initiative that creates welcoming, no-cost spaces for BIPOC women and community members to connect, rest, and build belonging.

Klarissa leads with authenticity, courage, and lived experience. Often describing herself as an “equity conspirator,” she uses her voice and access to advocate for those historically excluded from decision-making spaces. Her leadership is relational, sustained, and deeply human—opening doors, shifting systems, and inspiring others to lead with care and conviction.