Lara Damon

executive director

lara@livelihoodnw.org

Lara is the founding Executive Director at Livelihood NW. For more than 20 years she has dedicated herself to supporting entrepreneurs to excel and expand their companies through consulting, training, and connecting individuals to business resources throughout Oregon. Prior to her role at Livelihood NW, she spent 14 years leading the PSU Business Outreach Program and instructing business strategy at Portland State University. 

As a PSU alumna with a B.S. in Business Management, Human Resource Management, and Psychology, as well as a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), Lara has channeled her intuitive people skills and business training and background to help entrepreneurs in the community achieve and grow their dreams through small business ownership while utilizing small business ownership as a catalyst for wealth creation for families, employees, and community.

In addition to founding a nonprofit, supporting small businesses, and being a co-owner of a popular local Portland restaurant, she spends her time with family and being grateful for all that Oregon has to offer in its people, place, and passion.