our team

Executive Director, Founder and Board President

Shannon Olive was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She is 40 years old with two boys (22 and 20) who also live in Portland. After graduating from Concorde Career Institute with her Medical Assistant in 2004 it was very challenging to find a job. Later that year, she was introduced to Oregon Action by Johnnie Gage during the George Bush vs John Kerry 2004 Presidential Election and they were recruiting for their voter registration campaign.

Shannon never voted, but that year discovered that she can too make a difference and was glad to be a part of something different. Shannon was unstoppable, and now had joined the social movement, fighting for our rights, addressing issues then and now that would make Oregon a better place for low-income communities of color. Her first organizer position was with OPAL (Organizing People, Activating Leaders) and Environmental Justice Group in SE Portland. She organized their first Bus Riders Campaign and they informed over 2,000 Bus Riders about the fare increase and budgets cuts.

After her work with OPAL, Shannon returned to Portland Community College to further her education with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. While attending school she became an employee working with ASPCC Student Government for two years as the Director of Legislative Affairs. In June 2015, Shannon received her Associate Degree. Shannon has been serving her community since 2004. Now she’s the Founder/President for WomenFirst Transition & Referral Center, working to serve women in re-entry and recovery - supporting them to rebuild their lives to succeed. She will never stop. The fight is in her and she will continue to fight for change until it comes.

JREP (Justice Reinvestment Equity) Program Manager

Onnie, a native of Portland, Oregon, is married to David Allen, and together they have a blended family of six children and thirteen grandchildren. She graduated from Jefferson High School in 1985 and earned a B.A. in Human Development from Warner Pacific University. She is the founder and CEO of Allen Performing Arts Inc., a non-profit theater company. As a playwright, she helps tell stories that bring people to a place of freedom from past trauma.

Onnie serves as an auxiliary Pastor at Emmanuel Church in Portland, OR. She passionately addresses the needs of individuals affected by incarceration, trauma, gang involvement, and criminal behavior, drawing from her own life experiences. She has spent over eight years doing in-reach at the Oregon State Penitentiary. Her passion for helping others has extended internationally to Haiti and Africa. In her free time, Onnie enjoys music, singing, and spending time with her family.

Certified Recovery Mentor and Peer Support Specialist

As an empathic peer mentor, I am here to listen, support, and guide you through life experiences with understanding and care. I truly believe that we all need a little extra support sometimes, and I'm committed to creating a safe space where you can feel heard and valued.

Whether you're dealing with stress, personal challenges, or simply want someone to talk to, I want to be a resource that helps you feel less alone in the process. I’ve been where you are, and I know how important it is to have someone who can relate and offer guidance with compassion.

I’m passionate about behavioral and mental health, community involvement, and empowerment, and I’m here to offer any support you might need whether that’s helping with resources, suggesting self-care practices, or just being a friendly ear.

Certified Confidential Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate

Meshauna is a native of Portland Oregon. She is proud to serve as a Certified Confidential Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate with WomenFirst.  She is passionate about empowering others and wellness.  She has worked in the non-profit sector for over 10 years, in workforce development,  social justice, and psycho -education.

House Manager

As House Manager at WomenFirst, I’m committed to creating a stable, substance-free, and supportive environment for women transitioning out of incarceration. I work closely with WomenFirst staff and community partners to maintain a safe, healthy home where participants can focus on rebuilding their lives. From administering random drug screenings to conducting weekly house meetings and coordinating with maintenance, I handle the day-to-day operations that keep the house running smoothly. I prioritize open communication, mutual respect, and accountability—both to uphold program standards and to foster trust with each woman in the home. Whether it's reporting notable behavior, ordering supplies, or preparing a room for a new arrival, every task I take on is rooted in the belief that housing is more than just shelter—it's a foundation for transformation.

What excites me most about this work is the chance to witness real, lasting change. Helping women reconnect with their families, access vital resources, and rediscover their confidence is deeply rewarding. Their resilience inspires me, and their victories—big or small—fuel my drive. I feel honored to walk beside them as they break cycles of incarceration, homelessness, and hardship. The best part of my job is knowing I’m not just managing a house—I’m helping build a community where healing, growth, and hope are possible. This isn’t just work to me—it’s purpose.