Commissioner Lakayana Yotoma Drury (He/Him/His) is a s social entrepreneur, educator, community advocate, writer, poet, and filmmaker. He is the founder and executive director of Word is Bond, a nonprofit leadership incubator for young Black men based out of Portland, OR which he formed in 2017. At his core, Lakayana is a storyteller who harnesses the power of community engagement and various mediums of art, including poetry, music, drawing and painting, photography, and film to uplift hidden stories and inspire others to collective action.

Lakayana was raised in Madison, Wisconsin by his hardworking mother and is the eldest of three children. He experienced adversity at an early age, as a young Black man navigating the education system and the absence strong male role models. He overcame those challenges and graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout and went on to pursue a career as an elementary and high school teacher.

Lakayana is of Sudanese and Irish ancestry. His lived experience drives his passion for culturally-grounded education, mentorship, community development and economic investment, and reimagining community safety.

Lakayana’s leadership commitments include serving on the Local Public Safety Coordinating Committee (LPSCC) Executive Committee, the Center for Black Student Excellence (CBSE) Guiding Coalition with Portland Public Schools. In 2023, Lakayana was appointed to the Oregon Commission on Black Affairs for a three-year term.

Lakayana was named Portland Business Journal’s Class of 2021, Forty Under 40, was recognized as Executives of the Year in 2022, received the 2023 Community Leader of the Year at the 38th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute by the World Arts Foundation, and produced his first film, The Black Stars, in 2024

Lakayana is a visionary leader who believes in building a world based on compassion for all people, where every individual has the resources they need to thrive. He believes in dismantling systems of oppression and replacing them with ecosystems that nurture the innate empathy of humanity.

Email: lakayana@mywordisbond.org

Program Coordinator

Zion Ward (He/Him/His) is a proud native of Northeast Portland, deeply connected to the community where he was raised. He attended Woodlawn Elementary and later graduated from City Christian High School (now Manna House Christian Academy) in 2018. Zion went on to earn his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Portland State University, where he cultivated his passion for understanding human behavior and supporting others.

As the son of a pastor and a community leader recognized for her contributions to social justice, Zion was instilled with a strong commitment to service and advocacy from a young age. This upbringing shaped his desire to give back, and today, he continues that legacy as the full-time Program Coordinator for Word Is Bond.

Zion is also a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African Americans, where he deepens his commitment to leadership, brotherhood, and community service.

In his free time, Zion enjoys staying active, cooking, exploring music, immersing himself in nature, and appreciating art.

Email: Zion@wordisbond.org

Curriculum Design & Communications Coordinator

Feli Songolo (He/Him/His) Born in Zambia, and raised in the United States, Feli embodies the resilience and heritage of their Congolese family, whose family fled the Democratic Republic of the Congo due to civil war. Their upbringing has been shaped by a unique blend of African roots and life in the U.S.

Feli pursued their academic path at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, graduating in May 2023. During their time there, they participated in an exchange program in Qatar, gaining valuable international experience.

After graduating, in the fall of 2023, Feli was hired by the Oregon Alliance for Gun Safety as an Independent Contractor, where they developed a gun violence prevention curriculum currently used at Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI). This role led to an opportunity to teach a Black Studies course at David Douglas High School in the spring of 2023.

Sports have also played a significant role in Feli's life, with soccer being a lifelong passion. Recently, they had the opportunity to trial with a professional team in Portugal, furthering their experience as a semi-professional player. This competitive spirit extends beyond athletics, as they are also a professional model represented by a modeling agency. Feli has worked with major brands such as Nike, Volkswagen, and Adidas, using their platform to highlight underrepresented narratives.

Storytelling is central to Feli's identity. Inspired by his favorite author, Fyodor Dostoevsky, he explores the intersections of faith, politics, and understanding the world through his writing, which he regularly publishes online. His work aims to inspire thought and challenge perspectives.

In their personal time, Feli enjoys reading, biking, attending church with their family, and working out, finding fulfillment in pushing both physical and intellectual boundaries. Feli is energized to contribute to the work at Word is Bond, bringing their passion and dedication to creating meaningful change.

Email: Admin@mywordisbond.org

Community Engagement Coordinator

Iman Abdi (He/Him/His) was born in a refugee camp in Nairobi, Kenya where he experience people not having adequate resources. His family moved to Portland, Oregon in 2007, resettling in the Cully neighborhood where he grew up in a diverse community, again lacking adequate resources. This inspired him to work as a leader in his community,to make a difference in people's lives and make sure the community has what it needs to thrive. Living and working in a community with high levels of trauma has supported Iman in learning how to support community needs. 

Iman was raised by his caring mother and is the second oldest of seven children. Iman enjoys spending time with his nephew, Mohamed, playing basketball and teaching him about the joys of life. Iman is a former Word is Bond community ambassador from the 2018 cohort and knows first-hand the impacts of the progam.

He has previously worked with Portland Parks and Recreation, supporting diverse youth through engaging summer programs. He did extensive community organizing with STRYVE (Striving To Reduce Youth Violence Everywhere), working to end youth violence in our community. 

Iman wants to give back to his community because he has seen many kids in his community at high risk of getting involved in gangs, substance abuse, and violent activities. Iman knows with the right supports, these young people can do incredible thing

Board CHAIr

Andrew Campbell (He/Him/His) is a Portland local who was raised in the now gentrified areas of North and Northeast Portland. He attended Boise Eliot Elementary, Harriet Tubman Middle School, and Benson Polytechnic High School. After high school, Andrew moved to the American South to pursue college, earning his Bachelor’s of Science in Psychology and Sociology from Tuskegee University, Master’s of Science in Sports Psychology from the University of Tennessee. He has been blessed to have had the opportunity to explore the Black experience outside of Portland and continues to apply what he learned for the betterment of his hometown and community. 

Andrew's professional background is in physiological training, social sciences, and psychological sciences with ten years of experience. He uses a holistic approach in promoting mental and physical health. He currently works for Multnomah County as a Mentor & Development Specialist. Andrew also serves on the Black Male Achievement Steering Committee and is involved with local transportation and neighborhood committees. He is passionate about creating healthier environments in Black/Brown communities to influence positive human behavior and culture cohesion.  In turn, he hopes individuals can feel safe and relaxed to think and feel more positively and peacefully. During his free time, he enjoys outdoor activities, sports, exercising, and hanging with family and friends.

Treasurer

Simona Taylor (She/Her/Hers) As a Wisconsin native, Simona attended UIU and obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Human Services and later went on to pursue her Master of Business Administration, Organization Leadership from GCU.  Among her large number of siblings, she is the first to graduate college and assured her parents not to be the last. As a change agent, she is accustomed to challenging the status quo and driving paradigm shifts that encourage policies and practices that promote diversity and inclusion. 

Simona has been fortunate to collect many experiences in her professional career that have challenged, stretched, and strengthened her fabric as a career professional, and continues to strive for more. She is passionate about changing the trajectory of black and brown youths through insightful dialogue around financial literacy, trade, and skill development.

 “Learning is enjoyable and learning effectively pays dividends that aids in the wealth of knowledge.” 

While her experience conveys a series of transferable skills, achieved goals, strong execution and willingness to learn, grow and remain adaptable as a live long learner, she is first a woman of color that wants to see other people of color succeed and break barriers.

Secretary

Scott Korb (He/Him/His) is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and earned master’s degrees in Theology from Union Seminary and in Literature from Columbia University. His books include The Faith Between Us (2007), a collection of personal essays presented as a conversation with Jewish writer Peter Bebergal; Life in Year One (2010), a popular history of first-century Palestine; and Light Without Fire (2013), an intimate portrait of the first year at America’s first Muslim college. He is associate editor of The Harriet Jacobs Family Papers (2008), which was awarded the American Historical Association’s 2009 J. Franklin Jameson Prize. He also edited a collection of essays with Robert Bolger about David Foster Wallace and philosophy, Gesturing Toward Reality (2014).

Scott is a former director of the First-Year Writing Program and Eugene Lang College, at the New School. He joined the Pacific University MFA faculty in the summer of 2013 and was named the director of that program in May 2020. He lives with his family in Portland, Oregon.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Dr. Nakeia Council Daniels (She/Her/Hers), a veteran of the United States Army, currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs (ODVA). In this role, Dr. Daniels oversees agency operations, ensuring the availability and access of vital veteran services and programs to nearly 300,000 veterans and their families across the state.

Prior to joining ODVA, Dr. Daniels served as the Deputy Director of the Oregon Youth Authority and held multiple positions as the Director of Equity and Racial Justice, Veteran Services Policy Advisor, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion for The Office of Governor Kate Brown.

Dr. Daniels holds a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a specialization in Marketing, and a Doctorate in Business Administration, with published works on leadership, equity, and business operations. She is highly regarded as a panelist and public speaker, sharing insights from her doctoral research and distinguished professional career, and lived experience. Dr. Daniels has been invited to guest lecture at esteemed colleges and universities, including Harvard University's McLean Institute for Trauma Informed Systems Change.

Dedicated to equity and equal opportunity, Dr. Daniels holds specialized EEO training from the U.S. Army and the Equal Opportunity Commission (EEOC), certifying her in equal employment law and codes of federal regulation. As a proud U.S. Army Veteran, a former Army spouse (retired), and a devoted mother of an Army Reservist, she embodies her commitment to both her nation and her community.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Max Decker (He/Him/His) is a senior at Lincoln High School and a third-year Word is Bond ambassador. Born and raised in the Seattle area, Max moved to Portland in the summer of 2019 where he attended West Sylvan Middle School for a short while before the pandemic began. Stuck in predominantly white spaces for most of his life, Max was inspired to join Word is Bond after they spoke to the Brothers of Color club at Lincoln.

Max has an avid passion for journalism. Max reports for The Cardinal Times, acts as their Managing Digital Editor, and has been published in The Oregonian, among other accomplishments. Max plans on attending college to study journalism after he graduates from high school in the summer of 2023.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

James Euscher (He/Him/His) grew up in Beaverton, Oregon surrounded by athletics, graduating from Aloha High School, then was able to pursue the opportunity to play football at the University of Oregon. He majored in Social Sciences, particularly sociology and psychology. Unfortunately, his football career came to a halt after a series of injuries and he made the decision to medically retire and finish his degree in three years at the U of O. In 2015, James earned the opportunity to begin his career at the Lake Oswego Police Department as a Community Service Officer, promoted a short time later in 2016 to Police Officer. During his rookie year, he was selected by his peers as Officer of the Year.

While navigating a career in law enforcement James became a Field Training Officer and assisted with training new Officers. This allowed him to learn much more as a Police Officer as he was overseeing people who were new to the profession. James was later chosen by LOPD to attend a meeting for Word is Bond.  He had the privilege to participate in the program for the first time in 2019 where he began building relationships with fellow Officers and young males in the Black community.

The experiences James had at Word is Bond made him realize he wanted to make an impact on the younger community in Lake Oswego, so he applied to become the second School Resource Officer. He was chosen for the position and has been helping students from 1st through 12th grade since the beginning of the 2019 school year. This position has taught him there is much more to law enforcement; it is truly being a reasonable person and using discretion to help not only students, but the youth, parents and staff members in the community where he works, to better themselves.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Michael Facey (He/Him/His), was born in Brooklyn NY and raised in Chesapeake VA. After a Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Radford University, Mike earned a Master of Education at James Madison University. He was a fellow in the National Association of Student Personnel Administration Program. Mike also served as an International Officer for Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc., representing thousands of members globally as an elected official on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce.

Much of his professional experience has been rooted in advocacy and empowering students from historically marginalized communities. Having navigated post-secondary education as a first-generation college graduate, Mike’s mission is to create an intentional impact by providing effective service, and developmental experiences, prioritizing authenticity, and a commitment to continuous learning.

Outside of work, Mike enjoys bodybuilding, outdoor activities (such as hiking and kayaking), reading, traveling, and basketball. He’s led Diversity initiatives at institutions like Davidson College, Georgetown University, and others. Mr. Facey now serves as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager for the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, combining his passion for sports and equity work. He currently leads the team's HBCU Fellowship Program, quarterly DEI training and assessments, and amplifies the city of Portland's nonprofits to make a positive impact for communities of color.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Jahad Hudson Jr (He/Him/His) is a Freshman at Wiley College and a third-year Word is Bond ambassador. Jahad was Born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He attended Central Catholic High School from 2019-2023. Stuck doing nothing for the summer, Jahad was highly encouraged to join. In the years of being a part of Word is Bond, he was featured in The Oregonian, Koin 6, and is now on the board for Word Is Bond. He has used this leadership internship to achieve his goals and evolve to be his best self.

Jahad has a passion for fashion and clothing. He founded a clothing brand called Hidden Truths. Hidden Truths empowers individuals to express themselves while unveiling untold stories from history and introducing new figures. After graduating college, Jahad plans on pursuing a career in real estate and expanding his clothing brand.

MEMBER AT-LARGE

Yoseph Ukbazghi (He/Him/His), A dedicated husband, son, and brother, has a rich history of traveling to nearly 30 countries, contributing to the semiconductor industry in locations like South Korea, Taiwan, and the Netherlands. Educated with a Bachelor's degree from Portland State University in Mechanical Engineering, Yoseph currently excels as a Senior Engineer at ASML, focusing on High-NA New Product Introduction.

He is the co-founder of the SHADES-Netherlands Employee Resource Group at ASML, showcasing his commitment to diversity and inclusion. Additionally, Yoseph's experiences include being a Business Development Consultant for OMEK in Amsterdam, a Co-Founder of Simple X in Portland, Oregon, and serving as a traveling mentor with Engineers Without Borders. These roles highlight his passion for engineering and fostering global community connections.