At Portland Monthly, we tend to make best-of lists about delicious bites, gorgeous vistas, favorite watering holes, and transportive works of art. But we know the brightest stars aren't just the ones creating those experiences. Each year, our Light a Fire honors shine a spotlight on the local organizations and individuals working to make Portland and Oregon a better place for everyone.

In This Feature:

Bridges to Change Offers a Pathway to Recovery

The Oregon nonprofit brings wraparound services to those coming out of prison or houselessness.

12/29/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

At Path Home, Brandi Tuck Is Anything but Shy

For Brandi Tuck, executive director of Portland-based Path Home, a college spring break service project turned into a career.

12/30/2022 By Conner Reed

Brown Girl Rise Makes a Safe Space for BIPOC Youth

The Portland nonprofit centers joy, fun, and radical sisterhood for girls and nonbinary kids.

12/30/2022 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

Yuyan Luo Connects with the Chinese Community for the Division-Midway Alliance

The Portland State grad acts as program assistant and Chinese community liaison for the Southeast Portland organization.

12/29/2022 By Conner Reed

Our Legacy Harvested Brings More People of Color to the Wine World

The Willamette Valley wine country nonprofit sponsors internships to expose more people to all levels of the viticulture industry.

12/29/2022 By Julia Silverman

This Arts Advocate Reminds Us There’s a Lot Happening in Rural Oregon

Baker City’s Ginger Savage helped steer millions in COVID relief funding to arts groups all over the state, not just to Willamette Valley heavy hitters.

12/29/2022 By Matthew Trueherz

WomenFirst Tells People They’re Worth Loving

The Gresham-based nonprofit matches people coming out of the criminal justice system with mentors who know what they’re going through.

12/29/2022 By Margaret Seiler

Friends of the Columbia Gorge Helps Protect a National Treasure

The ‘citizen watchdog’ helps keep development in check in the national scenic area that lines the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington.

01/06/2023 By Isabel Lemus Kristensen

WeShine Builds Small Pod-Villages as an Alternative Approach to Homelessness Solutions

The new nonprofit's microvillages help build community and give residents agency in an alternative approach to homelessness solutions.

12/30/2022 By Matthew Trueherz

Civil Rights Advocate Valerie Whittlesey Is Someone Who Says Yes

From her time as a civil rights volunteer in Arkansas to campaigning against anti-gay Measure 9 in Oregon, our lifetime achievement winner has worked for equality for decades.

12/30/2022 By Fiona McCann