Jeanne Farr – Founder/Trainer
Jeanne is a respected leader, nonprofit executive, advocate, social entrepreneur, trainer in the topical areas of diversity, leadership and emotional intelligence and an expert in developmental disabilities services.
Known for her passionate advocacy, she has dedicated her professional life to bridging difference and improving the lives of people with developmental disabilities. She is recognized throughout Oregon for her collaborative leadership and business skill. Jeanne has been in nonprofit executive management positions for over 25 years and has decades of experience in public speaking and creating and conducting leadership and diversity training.
Since 1993, Jeanne has held the position of Senior Vice President – Developmental Disabilities Services at Albertina Kerr Centers, a nonprofit social service organization founded in 1907. Albertina Kerr Centers is dedicated to helping children, adults and families in Oregon with mental health challenges and developmental disabilities, empowering them to lead fuller, self-determined lives.
In 2008, Jeanne founded Coexistence Collaborative, a social enterprise which offers consultation and organizational development. The organization dedicates 70% of net profit to supporting initiatives that foster social responsibility and benefit people with disabilities locally and in developing countries.
Education
Jeanne received her BA in Humanities from Callison College at the University of the Pacific (Stockton, CA) in 1980, completed extensive graduate work in clinical psychology and organizational development at San Francisco State University and Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. In May of 2007, Jeanne completed a Master of Arts degree in Intercultural Relations from the University of the Pacific School of International Studies in Stockton, California.
Awards
2009: University of the Pacific Distinguished Alumni Award – Public Service, honoring alumni who have made exceptional professional contributions to society through civic or other public service while employed by a non-profit organization.
2002: Oregon Rehabilitation Association Al Erickson Award, honoring significant contributions to the development, expansion or improvement of programs for the ultimate benefit of people with disabilities. This award is the highest honor bestowed to a professional in the disability services industry in Oregon.
2000: Oregon Rehabilitation Association Extra Mile Award, honoring significant community contributions which benefit ORA to a degree greater than those any other individual has made and that ultimately serve to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
1996: PGE Community Treasure Award, honoring community contributions and leadership.
Publications
Diversity Executive Magazine, May 2009: Case Study: Teaching Emotional Intelligence
www.diversity-executive.com/article.php?article=909#
Professional Affiliations
ASTD – American Society for Training and Development
NAID – National Institute of Art & Disabilities
ODDC – Oregon Developmental Disabilities Coalition
OEN – Oregon Entrepreneurs Network
ORA – Oregon Rehabilitation Association
SIETAR -Society for Intercultural Education and Training
WEO – Women Entrepreneurs of Oregon
TASH: Equity, Opportunity and Inclusion for People with Disabilities
The American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Portland Business Alliance
University of the Pacific – School of International Studies Advisory Board (Board Member)
Lettuce Grow Garden Foundation (Advisory Board Member)
Multnomah County Executive Partners (Executive Partner)