
Katie Gavares
Co-Director
Pronouns: They/she
Katie grew up in San Diego, and studied earth and environmental science at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. They moved to Oregon in 2014 for school and the state's reputation for outdoor adventures. Katie has been working to create access to nature within outdoor recreation and environmental education, and since joining The Intertwine Alliance in 2018, in our own region’s parks, trails and natural areas. Katie is passionate about the intersection of climate change and justice, and deeply resonates with The Alliance’s vision of fostering resilient communities through nature.
Katie loves spending time in the sun, movement of all sorts, and playing in the great parks and rivers around Oregon.
Contact Katie at katie@theintertwine.org about the following areas, in which she plays lead:
- Intertwine Alliance Equity & Inclusion Cohorts
- Diversity-equity-inclusion-justice strategy
- Intertwine Alliance finances & operations
- Intertwine Summit
- Regional conservation initiatives

Tara Wilkinson
Co-Director
Pronouns: She/her
A print journalist by training, Tara has worked in the field of nonprofit communications and development since moving to Portland in 1999. Prior to joining The Intertwine Alliance in 2014, she worked for Open Adoption & Family Services, Hand in Hand: Center for Jewish-Arab Education in Israel, and Oregon Food Bank. Tara is passionate about equitable access to our region's nature; partnerships that achieve better outcomes for all; and intersectional issues like houselessness.
Tara spends as much time as she can wandering outside looking for salamanders, frogs, crows and hummingbirds -- and sharing the joys of nature with her 12-year-old son. They also like to cook together, read, sing and dance, camp and spend time with friends.
Contact Tara at tara@theintertwine.org about the following areas, in which she plays lead:
- Political advocacy
- Regional parks directors meeting
- Communications -- newsletters, website, partner listservs, Outside Voice blog, social media and media inquiries
- Northwest Family Daycation
- Becoming a partner & partner dues
- Monthly partner coffees
- Corporate sponsorships