Prosperity Builders Summit

“Generations of Greatness: Building Impact, Creating Legacy” is more than just a theme at our holiday celebration this year, it’s a reflection of my journey and the collective heartbeat of NAMC-Oregon.

Over the past decade, I’ve come to understand deeply that nothing is built alone. It truly takes a village to move the needle, to shift systems, and to uplift communities of color. Every step we take is grounded in the sacrifices, courage, and vision of those who came before us. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and with that foundation, we carry both the responsibility and the privilege to build for those who come next.

This celebration is about more than recognition; it’s a call to action. It’s about honoring where we come from, owning the power we hold today, and shaping a legacy that ensures businesses owned by people of color don’t just participate in Oregon’s  business economy—they lead, innovate, and thrive at the forefront of its future.”

A courageous trailblazer, State Representative Janelle Bynum is serving her fourth term as the Oregon State Representative for House District 39 (Happy Valley and North Clackamas). In the Legislature, she is Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business/ Economic Development and serves as a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee.

During her tenure in the Legislature, Representative Bynum has spearheaded bipartisan initiatives encompassing Voter Engagement and Turnout; Investment in K-12 and Higher Education; Juvenile and Criminal Justice Reform; and Targeted Support for Underrepresented Businesses. In 2023 Representative Bynum led a bipartisan effort in passing Senate Bill 4 to revitalize Oregon’s semiconductor industry and attract billions in funding offered through the federal CHIPS and Science Act.