Alex Llumiquinga, President
I was born in the country of Ecuador. As a teenager, I left Ecuador looking for a better future for myself and my family. I had the opportunity to travel around countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Australia performing traditional Andean music. I moved to the US in 2001. I worked as a full-time musician to support my growing family for many years. A few years ago, I was given the opportunity to work for the Lincoln County School District as a bilingual tutor with K-2 students. Currently, I work for Arcoiris Cultural as the Executive Director. My job provides me the opportunities to have a direct connection to the Latinx, Indigenous and Migrant populations in Lincoln County. I am committed to helping the community and being there when they need me. My goal is to make a difference in people's lives and empower them so they can be the change in the future.
Chris Martin, Voting member
I have worked in Lincoln County School District since 2021; and have had the privilege of teaching Green Team, STEAM Science & Engineering, and managing the school garden at Newport Middle School. Prior to becoming a classroom teacher I worked in Organic agriculture and outdoor education. I believe mother nature is our best teacher and I am passionate about getting kids outside thinking critically and creatively. I am excited to support The Grow Collective's mission in not only developing spaces to grow food, but also our community.
Diana Teem, Treasurer
With over 25 years of experience working with grassroots nonprofits and community action, Diana J. Teem has dedicated her career to supporting underserved communities. As the previous Executive Director at Olalla Center and Community Relations & Development Director at Community Services Consortium, in Lincoln, Benton and Linn counties,Oregon, she has become a well-respected leader in the field of community health and development.
Throughout her career, Diana has developed and implemented numerous innovative programs aimed at supporting individuals and families facing a range of challenges. Her work has focused on addressing the needs of those experiencing poverty, youth and families navigating health crises, and marginalized communities such as immigrants and the LGBTQ+ population.
In addition to her nonprofit work, Diana brings a unique perspective from her experience as the owner/operator of a small organic farm. This hands-on experience has reinforced her strong belief in the importance of supporting access to healthy, nutritious food for all. She brings that passion to her role as a Board Member of The Grow Collective.
A compassionate and collaborative community leader, Diana excels in creating programs and services that are not only responsive to the needs of the community but also forward-thinking in terms of sustainability and impact.
Emily Blume, Secretary
Emily has worked as the Administrative Office Manager for OSU Lincoln County Extension since June 2020. This position has given her the flexibility to serve her community in many different ways including Disaster Recovery, Juntos en Colaboracion, Septic and Well Repair/Replacement Program and outreach on all extension programming offered in Lincoln County. Emily is looking forward to working with Grow Lincoln County to create another avenue for community to come together.
Evie Smith, Voting member
Evie is the Small Farms and Community Horticulture Extension Agent for OSU Extension in Lincoln County, OR. In her role with OSU, she helps ensure access to the information and resources that farmers and gardeners in Lincoln County need to grow their plants, products, and businesses the way that they want to through locally-based research and educational activities. She is passionate about local food systems and ensuring that science-based information about sustainable growing is accessible to everyone who needs it. She’s excited to support the work of the Grow Collective!
Photo credit: Kiara Caruso
Amaru Llumiquinga, Communications
Amaru Llumiquinga Lapham (they/them) grew up in and around Lincoln County, Oregon, where their family always had a garden bursting with fresh vegetables and herbs. They graduated from Macalester College in Saint Paul, Minnesota, in 2024 with a Bachelors in Spanish. Amaru now splits their time between Bellingham, Washington and Newport, Oregon, while serving as the Program Coordinator for long-time partner of The Grow Collective, Arcoíris Cultural. Amaru manages social media and newsletters for The Grow Collective. In their spare time, they run with their friends, host craft nights, and collage with anything they can get their hands on.
Renée Johnson, Executive Director
Renée grew up in Oregon. After completing her studies at the University of Oregon, she participated in a traveling, residential AmeriCorps program for two years. That program enabled her to serve in many communities on varied projects and meet many different types of people. From there she backpacked throughout Central America and came home and started a family. She has worked in many capacities- as an educator, in solid waste and recycling, in sustainability at a brewery, and for OSU's Master Gardener program. She draws a great deal of inspiration from the hard work and commitment of others and truly appreciates the opportunity to be surrounded by those who have a passion for helping others and the environment.
Willow Ryon, Outreach and Program Implementation Coordinator
Willow holds a Bachelor of Science in Planning, Public Policy and Management from the University of Oregon, with minors in Nonprofit Administration and Economics. Her professional experience includes statewide outreach, recruitment and member support with the RARE AmeriCorps Program, educator housing initiatives in Eastern Oregon, and economic coordination roles across rural communities.
Having grown up in a low-income family in rural Oregon, Willow has witnessed firsthand how gaps in access to resources can shape health, opportunity, and well-being. This lived experience, combined with her professional background, informs her commitment to culturally responsive outreach, community-centered program implementation and ensuring families can access the resources they need to thrive!
Outside of work, Willow enjoys spending time on her family’s farm with her partner and their three dogs, staying active, cheering on the Ducks, and exploring the Pacific
Northwest.