PRESS RELEASE: Politisit Hires Our First Executive Director
Politisit has announced their hire of their first Executive Director, Paige Hook. Hook achieved her Bachelor’s degree in Social Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology from Western Oregon University. She brings with her, experience as a city counselor and history working on political campaigns to drive her understanding of the need for Politisit’s services, as she leads the organization as it’s new Executive Director.
When asked what the most important information she wants Politisit clients and supporters to know about her, Hook responded, "I am honored and excited to lead this organization. I learned about Politisit from a passionate donor that recognized I could utilize this service. I became a Politisit client in 2017, which allowed me to volunteer on a nonpartisan campaign and attend a training program that teaches women to run for office. The following year I ran for a nonpartisan seat on my city council and again in 2020 for state representative in my district. I am such a believer in Politisit because this organization brought me the opportunity to even have a chance to think about how I could make my own change in my state. By removing the barrier of paying for childcare, Politisit made it easier for me as a parent of three young children to become involved in the political process and my community. I hope Politisit can empower many people to get involved the way they want to in their own communities."
About Politisit and its Founder:
Rachel Sowray received her B.A. from the College of William & Mary, M.P.P. from George Washington University, and J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law. She started her career working on education, healthcare, and housing issues for elected officials in Washington, DC. Rachel then became a prosecutor at the Washington County District Attorney's Office. She is now a Special Assistant United States Attorney in Portland. Sowray also teaches Constitutional Law at the University of Oregon School of Law. Her course covers the Equal Protection Clause, First Amendment, and other fundamental rights like voting.
Sowray founded Politisit after the November 2016 election because she wanted to remove a barrier to our democracy: childcare. Politisit now ensures parents in Oregon don't have to worry about the cost of childcare to be part of the decision-making process by attending government meetings. In 2020, Politisit paid for childcare so parents in Texas and Florida could stand in line to vote. Their fiscal sponsor is the YWCA, and they have several other organizations they partner with such as Unite Oregon, APANO, Division Midway Alliance, Casa Latinos Unidos, neighborhood associations and PTAs.