This content was published: March 4, 2015. Phone numbers, email addresses, and other information may have changed.
2015 Diamond Alum: Barbara Gladue: Parent Involvement Advocate, Native American Youth and Family Center
Photos and story by James Hill
Barbara Gladue.
Gladue, a mother of three, obtained her GED and associate degree in philosophy from PCC. While at the college, she was a student coordinator in the Multicultural Center and Native American Student Association at the Sylvania Campus, providing scholarship, job and tutoring information for other Native students. She went on to get her philosophy degree from Portland State University and now works at NAYA, where she is a parent involvement advocate who helps Native families. Her personal and professional work has impacted hundreds of Native people in the region, and she has accomplished all of this as a single mother.
“The opportunities I was given at PCC changed me in every way; academically, spiritually, mentally, physically, and socially,” Gladue said. “I owe all my educational aspiration to the strong foundation I was able to build at PCC.”
Gladue grew up on a small ranch in Montana’s Ulm Pishkun on the four mile creek (krick) near the buffalo jumps. An addiction to alcohol and drugs prompted her to move to the Northwest for a fresh start. Since completing treatment, Gladue has been sober for the past decade.
She not only earned a two-year degree at PCC, but also a Women’s Leadership Program Certificate, two certificates of leadership and completed Sylvania’s Transitions Program. Her role with the Sylvania Women’s Resource and Multicultural centers included educating students on issues of social justice, sexual and domestic violence, women reproductive health and Native American culture and ceremonies.
“Having been named PCC’s Diamond Alumni proves that dreams really can come true, mine did, and PCC and its staff helped make that happen for me,” Gladue said.
About James Hill
James G. Hill, an award-winning journalist and public relations writer, is the Director of Public Relations at Portland Community College. A graduate of Portland State University, James has worked as a section editor for the Newberg Graphic... more »
I’m so proud of you Barb! This honor is truly well deserved.
I am so proud of you Barb, this is a great accomplishment! Thanks for being a positive role model in my life, a awesome advocate, and mentor. I have came so far with your faith and guidance. You are so awesome!!!