Oregon’s state motto “She flies with her own wings” couldn’t feel more fitting this month. As we wrap up March and reflect on Women’s History Month, I’m proud to recognize the women leading transformative work at Collaborative EDO and across our region.

This spirit is woven into the foundation of our organization. Co-founded by Caitlin Vargas, Nicole Matthews, and myself, Collaborative EDO is powered by exceptional women whose leadership continues to advance our mission of inclusive economic development.

This month’s newsletter highlights just a few examples of that work in action. We begin with a spotlight on Chelsea Irvine, our Events and Communications Manager, whose world-class experience and steady leadership consistently raises the bar; most recently demonstrated in the flawless execution of our sold-out Community Collaborative & Industry Luncheon on March 20.

We’re also excited to introduce EmpowerPitch, a new six-week pitch coaching program that will provide women entrepreneurs in our region with the tools, networks, and confidence to raise capital and grow their ventures.

Finally, we’re proud to spotlight Nancy Pance and the impactful work of Opportunity Oregon. Discover how justice-involved citizens are transforming the workforce and creating new opportunities for employers in Lane County.

Thank you for being part of this movement. Together, we’re helping more women take flight.

Warmly,

Matt Sayre

If you’ve ever marveled at how smooth a Collaborative EDO event feels, how the room flows, the details sing, and the vibe feels just right, you’ve experienced the behind-the-scenes brilliance of Chelsea Irvine.

As Collaborative EDO's Events and Communications Manager, Chelsea brings a wealth of experience from some of the most prestigious venues in the country. Her career began in Los Angeles under Michelin-starred Chef David Myers at Sona, where she quickly rose to Events Manager and eventually oversaw events for multiple restaurants, a patisserie, and a private dining service. From there, she served as Events and Marketing Manager at the Thompson Beverly Hills Hotel, followed by a nine-year tenure as Director of Special Events at the exclusive Jonathan Club.

In 2019, Chelsea moved to Santa Barbara to become Director of Programming at Rosewood Miramar Beach and the Miramar Club. But like many in hospitality, the pandemic prompted a values-driven pivot. Seeking purpose and proximity to family, she and her husband moved to Eugene and our region gained a powerhouse.



“Planning events in Lane County has redefined success for me,” Chelsea says. “It’s not just about the wow-factor—it’s about building real connections and helping people find their path.”

Most recently, Chelsea flawlessly orchestrated the sold-out Community Collaborative & Industry Luncheon on March 20, making large-scale logistics look effortless. Her signature blend of polish, heart, and purpose is raising the bar for community events in Oregon. Collaborative EDO invites you to attend one of the upcoming events and witness the magic for yourself.

Collaborative EDO is proud to announce the launch of EmpowerPitch, a free 6-week pitch coaching program offering hands-on support and insider access to help women entrepreneurs confidently pitch, especially those in early or growth stages who are preparing to raise capital.

Funded by Oregon Community Foundation, EmpowerPitch directly addresses the barriers women face when seeking investment, such as bias, limited networks, and lack of access to venture capital. In fact, women-led startups receive just 2% of all VC funding. This program is here to change that. One of the most exciting features? Each participant will receive a professionally designed pitch deck, completely free, so they can show up polished and investor-ready.

Launching in mid-May 2025, EmpowerPitch is more than just a class. It is a powerful pathway to capital. The program kicks off with an in-person event to build community and connections, then shifts to weekly online classes to ensure accessibility for founders balancing family, work, or geographic challenges.

Participants will benefit from high-profile instructors, time with Elevate Capital’s Venture Principal, and an exclusive scholarship opportunity to join one of Oregon Entrepreneurs Network’s Angel Oregon cohorts, Oregon’s premier pathway to equity investment.

In Oregon, where resilience and reinvention define our communities, Nancy Pance is a testament to transformation. As the founder of Opportunity Oregon, she is leading the charge to create second chances for justice-involved individuals, breaking barriers to employment and changing lives in the process.

Nancy’s journey is one of perseverance. After her own experience with incarceration in 2010, she rebuilt her life through education and entrepreneurship, eventually co-owning an Anytime Fitness franchise. But she saw a deeper need to help others like herself find meaningful employment. In 2021, she launched Opportunity Oregon to bridge the gap between skilled, justice-involved individuals and employers valuing the talent and promise within this group. 

Nancy’s work challenges employers to rethink hiring. “Employers should recognize that over 80 million Americans have a criminal record, representing a vast pool of untapped talent,” she says. “Performance, loyalty, and community impact - second-chance employees bring all of this and more.” Statistics support this: 85% of HR professionals report that individuals with criminal records perform equally or better than their peers without records. Additionally, hiring second-chance employees qualifies organizations for various tax credits, making it a win-win for businesses and communities alike.

With Opportunity Oregon, Nancy is proving that when given the chance, people soar. For employers ready to embrace this workforce, Opportunity Oregon is just a call away. You might be surprised at the talent waiting to take flight.

Join the Oakridge Westfir Tree Planting Festival Vendor & Services Fair! 🌲

Calling all service providers! Be part of the Oakridge Westfir Tree Planting Festival Vendor & Services Fair on Saturday, May 3rd, from 10 AM to 6 PM.

This is a great opportunity to share your services, provide valuable information, and engage with festival attendees who are eager to learn and connect. Let’s grow a stronger, more resilient Oakridge community together!

Secure your spot today—sign up now and be part of this vibrant event! 🌿✨

For vendor registration and more details, contact Vanessa Tharp at president@owtreeplantingfestival.org or visit the registration website HERE.