PCC hosts Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference
Photos and story by James Hill
The 2025 Washington Oregon Cascadia Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) is set to take place from March 5-7 at Portland Community College’s Sylvania Campus (12000 SW 49th Avenue). This annual event aims to inspire change, foster collaboration, and drive action in sustainability within higher education across the Cascadia region.
Under the theme “Cultivating Sustainable Communities,” WOHESC 2025 will explore how intentional care can build communities—spanning from local neighborhoods and college campuses to the broader natural environment. The conference serves as a key gathering for advocates, educators and changemakers to share practical solutions and cultivate lasting impacts within their institutions and communities.
Attendees will get to tour PCC sustainability efforts like Rock Creek Learning Garden.
“PCC has been a co-sponsor since the inception of WOHESC and we are very excited to be the host institution this year,” said Briar Wray, PCC’s associate dean of Sustainability Strategies. “What I value most about this conference is the regional focus and opportunity to engage with colleagues that are dealing with similar challenges and opportunities as well as students who will become the future sustainability workforce right in our region. The impact is so tangible and I always walk away feeling re-energized.”
As this year’s host institution, PCC is highlighting its sustainability initiatives and programs that make the college a leader in this sustainability. The college’s sustainability program ensures PCC’s dedication to the Second Nature’s Carbon Commitment, and is a member of the America Is All In coalition. PCC has a Climate Action Plan that guides its activities.
Conference Highlights:
Keynote Speakers:
- Sarah Jaquette Ray – environmental studies professor at Cal Poly Humboldt and author of “A Field Guide to Climate Anxiety.”
- Judy Bluehorse Skelton – retired associate professor of Indigenous Nations Studies, at Portland State University.
- Brianna Fruean – Pacific Climate Warrior and environmental activist.
Featured Tours:
- Portland Community College Rock Creek Walking Tour.
- Metro Opportunity Center/OC42: A Holistic Approach to Community and Sustainability.
- Portland State University’s Oak Savanna and Vernier Science Center.
Notable Sessions:
- “Impact Networks: Creating Change in a Complex World.”
- “Sustainable Strategies for Student Engagement.”
- “Empowering Indigenous Voices through Environmental Studies.”
- “Hands-on Activities to Address Eco-Anxiety and Climate Change Grief.”
For tickets and registration details, visit https://wohesc.org/, or call (503) 226-2377.
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 »