Interim Executive Director

 
 
 

Joelle Kim | Interim EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | she/her | Email

Joelle (she/her) is a proud first-generation Korean American, trans-femme, poly, and queer leader whose journey spans continents and communities. Born in Spain, raised in Los Angeles, and now rooted in Portland, OR, Joelle brings a richly diverse life experience to every space she enters.

With a career grounded in compassion and advocacy, Joelle has worn many hats—hospice and palliative care music therapist, bereavement counselor, music educator, conductor, and nonprofit leader. Her background in grant writing, fundraising, and program development reflects her deep commitment to public service and the arts.

Most recently, Joelle served as a Mental Health Care Coordinator with the Multnomah County Health Department, where she also chaired the Queer and Trans People of Color Employee Resource Group—demonstrating her steadfast dedication to equity and inclusion at every level.

In April 2025, Joelle stepped into a new chapter of leadership as the Interim Executive Director of Q Center, after serving as Co-Chair of its Board of Directors. Her leadership is deeply rooted in a passion for racial equity and restorative justice, inspired by her love for community and her unwavering commitment to protecting the futures of trans youth. Her approach is guided not only by her own lived experience but especially by the voices of Black and Brown communities—centering Black trans women in particular.

During her interim tenure, Joelle is focused on three goals:

  1. Strengthening the organization's infrastructure,

  2. Eliminating barriers to access—particularly for QTBIPOC community members, and

  3. Cultivating a safe, affirming space for Portland’s ever-growing 2SILGBTQA+ population.

At the heart of Joelle’s leadership is a simple, transformative principle: listen to the community. By honoring the needs of those most impacted, Joelle is charting a bold and sustainable path forward for Q Center—one that uplifts, empowers, and belongs to everyone it serves.

“No one of us can be free until everybody is free.” -Maya Angelou

To schedule a 1:1 with Joelle, please use this link.