ORABSE Educator Awards 2025 - Marcy Bradley

Dr. Ernest Hartzog Legacy Award

Marcy Bradley is a proud daughter of Portland and a lifelong advocate for Oregon’s children and families. With over 30 years of nonprofit leadership, she currently serves as the Chief Community Engagement and Equity Officer — and previously as Vice President of Equity and Culture — at the Oregon Community Foundation (OCF). In this role, she leads statewide, community-driven grantmaking initiatives that address Oregon’s most pressing needs, working to ensure that every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.

A passionate and strategic leader, Marcy has dedicated her career to improving educational outcomes for Oregon’s most vulnerable youth. She believes deeply in the power of equity to transform lives and communities and is guided by the conviction that every child can reach their full potential when given the right support. Her work spans early childhood readiness, K–12 success, college access, career pathways, workforce development, family stabilization, and parent engagement.

Marcy holds a Master’s degree in Education from Boston University. Her leadership is grounded in four core values: courage, compassion, justice, and impact. She is widely respected for her ability to bridge communities, influence systems, and champion equity with authenticity and vision.

Prior to joining OCF’s executive team, Marcy served as Executive Director of Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI) and Elevate Oregon, where she played a pivotal role in building systems of support for youth and families across the state.

In 2018, Marcy became the Program Officer for the Black Student Success Initiative, transforming it from a small pilot into a nationally recognized model for improving outcomes for Black students. Under her leadership, more than 40 Black-led nonprofits received funding to support Black students, families, and educators across Oregon.

“If we do not figure out a way to create equity in education, we are not going to survive as a healthy society,” Marcy says. “I envision an Oregon where disparities do not exist because every school and every system gives children and families what they need to succeed.”