Jason Stroman, or “Stro” as he is more affectionately known, is a youth specialist with over 20 years of experience mentoring future leaders through various professional and volunteer positions. He currently serves as Program Director for The Blueprint Foundation, a local non-profit focused on empowering Black-identified youth & young adults through culturally specific mentoring, nature-based experiential learning, and green-sector career exploration. Prior to supervising staff and organizing programming for Blueprint, Stro worked nearly a decade supporting youth in residential treatment facilities as a mental & behavioral health counselor. Stro studied Psychology & Sociology at Washington State University, where he also played football and joined the historically Black Greek-letter organization Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Currently serving as Director of Education for the fraternity’s Oregon alumni chapter, Omicron Theta Sigma, he previously served two terms as Chapter President during which time he helped establish The Blueprint Foundation and other service-oriented initiatives. To expand the mission of increasing environmental justice, social equity, access to resources, and industry diversification, Stro works diligently in multiple collaborative programs with other community-based organizations and serves on the board of directors for larger nonprofits such as Friends of Trees and Friends of Tryon Creek to ensure community representation and agency. Stro is a member of Mannahouse Church and has served as a bus driver for its outreach ministry. When not working or engaged in community service, Stro enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring the outdoors, watching movies, football, and spending quality time with family.
Similar recent recognitions for his work with youth locally include the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Emerald Award for Youth Services, the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Blue Roses Distinguished Service Leader Award, and the World Salmon Council’s Elizabeth Saunders Award for Volunteer of the Year in the Salmon Watch program.
Jason’s Favorite Quote:
“I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world.” -Tupac Shakur
If you’re not familiar with The Blueprint Foundation, take a moment and check in with Jason Stroman, Program Director for this organization and Board member of community non profits, Friends of Trees and Tyron Creek; all known for shepherding the environment. Jason believes deeply in environmental justice and works diligently to expose and empower Black-identified youth and young adults to nature-based experiential learning and green-sector career exploration. Jason has been honored for his “distinguished service” by his fraternity, Phi Beta Sigma, Inc and most recently received an Emerald Award from Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for his work with youth. As a steward of rivers, Jason also received the World Salmon Council-Elizabeth Saunders Award as Volunteer of the Year in the Salmon Watch program.