LaShawn McCarthy Jr.
Never believe that a few caring people can't change the world. For, indeed, that's all who ever have.— Margaret Mead
LaShawn brings a quiet enthusiasm and energy for equity work, listening first to underserved communities to advocate with them later.
LaShawn is interested in advocacy through research and data. He helps to develop processes that allow communities to voice their truth so that decision-makers can hear what they have to say.
His areas of expertise include:
- Survey and focus group facilitation, design, and outreach
- Designing engagement opportunities for youth and students
- Developing and presenting policy recommendations
Experience
In 2012, LaShawn joined the Multnomah Youth Commission, the official youth policy body of the City of Portland and Multnomah County. As a member of the MYC for eight years, he learned about the power of youth and students to advance social change. He later joined the Annie E. Casey Foundation Youth Survey Feedback Cohort to improve a survey used for measuring the risk factors, protective factors and overall well-being of youth.
He received his bachelor’s degree in Social Science from Warner Pacific University in 2021.
In Community
LaShawn is a kid at heart and enjoys watching SpongeBob SquarePants on Saturday mornings. He also loves taking walks and spending time with friends.