Winta Yohannes drives the mission, fundraising, operations and strategy for Albina Vision Trust, a nonprofit that stewards the thoughtful reinvention and transformation of the 94-acre historic Lower Albina neighborhood.
During her tenure AVT has grown its real estate and development capacity, with its first project breaking ground in 2023 and the right of refusal secured on a key 10.5-acre tract. AVT has earned recognition for its leadership in counteracting anti-Black racism in the urban form, including awards for design excellence in its groundbreaking master plan.
Before leading AVT, Yohannes was a senior policy advisor for the city of Portland. She supported the development of Portland鈥檚 first immigrant legal defense program and co-established the Social Equity Program in the Cannabis Licensing Office to support entrepreneurs of color.
Earlier this year, Yohannes and AVT partnered with Lewis & Clark College to build a hub for education and economic opportunity within the Lower Albina district. In 2024, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek appointed Yohannes to a five-year term as position 8 of the Urban Flood Safety and Water Quality District.
