Shawn Taylor is the Founder of Union Community PDX, created in 2024 with a heart for bringing people together and improving the neighborhoods he grew up in. A Northeast Portland native, Shawn has been known throughout the community for nearly a decade through his construction work, hauling services, and everyday support for families in need. When he launched Union Trucking LLC in 2021, he spent countless hours helping under resourced families move safely and with dignity. Those experiences opened his eyes to the larger challenges many Portland residents face unsafe living conditions, limited resources, and environmental barriers that impact quality of life.

 

Shawn realized he wanted to do more than move belongings; he wanted to move communities forward. That passion guided him to start Union Community PDX a grassroots effort to reduce illegal dumping, clean up shared spaces, and build pride across neighborhoods that are too often overlooked. Since then, he has organized a growing list of community cleanups and beautification efforts, each one centered on collaboration, respect, and unity.

 

Shawn’s leadership is rooted in relationship-building. He works closely with partners such as Metro, Leaders Become Legends, COR, NAMC, and local neighborhood groups, all of whom share his belief that cleaner, safer, and more connected communities strengthen everyone. Whether he’s hauling debris, talking with residents, or mentoring youth, Shawn brings an open heart and a hands-on spirit to every project.

James Turner is a transformative leader whose journey from adversity to advocacy fuels his work in the community. After teaching himself to read at eighteen, he has spent the last nine years committed to personal growth, mentorship, and creating opportunities for others.

 

A Constructing Hope graduate with OSHA, CPR, Green Clean, and screen-printing certifications, James blends hands-on professional skills with a passion for entrepreneurship helping individuals navigate business licensing, accounting, and sustainable start-ups. His background also includes several years working with Metro, where he gained valuable experience in community stewardship, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability.

 

In addition, James co-founded Leaders Become Legends, a youth-focused initiative that builds confidence, discipline, and leadership skills. Today, as Vice President of Union Community PDX, he champions empowerment, economic mobility, and the belief that every person deserves a chance to rise.

Toyin Oyemaja, a Portland native, is the owner of Toyouinspire Flowers and currently serves as a Community Workforce Employment Specialist at Portland Community College. She brings over a decade of experience in the floral industry, education, small-business advising, and social services, including previous work as a Small Business Advisor and Instructor with the Mt. Hood SBDC.

 

Toyin holds a Women’s Entrepreneurship certificate from Cornell University and dual bachelor’s degrees from Portland State University. She also earned a Master of Arts in Human Services from Warner Pacific University and a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction with a focus on Trauma and Resiliency from Concordia University.

 

Her career has centered around supporting underserved students of color and their families—mentoring youth and first-generation college students, supervising interns, planning regional educational events, and serving with AmeriCorps. She will serve as Secretary/Treasurer for Union Community PDX, bringing her strong organizational and community-focused leadership to the board.