about me
hi, i'm marita deLeon (they/them), a queer, non-binary, fat Filipina whose third grade teacher said that i am a “bright shining light” of a human. since grade school, strangers and friends alike have turned to me when they need support, empathy, encouragement, a laugh, and honest feedback. i would be thrilled to be that person for you, too.
with my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from Seattle University, training in Race & Social Justice, Restorative Justice, and Equity Informed Mediation, my work experience at several non-profit organizations over the past two decades - most recently as Co-Director of Restorative Justice and Mediation at Resolutions Northwest, and my lived experience as a poet, stand up comic, esthetician, makeup artist, friend, partner, divorceé, survivor, cat mom, family and community member, i believe that we do not and cannot exist in silos. we are constantly experiencing life through internal, interpersonal, systemic, institutional, historical and cultural lenses, and it takes a lot of intentional work to understand and unlearn those narratives that no longer serve us, and live into our true values and ideals.
taking a cue from the wisdom of adrienne maree brown, we at ur higher selfie work "at the speed of trust" to co-create brave spaces with you. our role is to be your companion on this path, whether we are coaching, facilitating, training, or mediating. we aim to bring an equity lens to every interaction, promote understanding, offer pathways through conflict, and facilitate alignment to strengthen and repair relationships.
ready to connect? book a complimentary discovery session to see how we can join forces.
photos by jamie thrower
meet our collaborators
ur higher selfie believes in collaboration and community. if you work with us you might have the opportunity to meet these incredible humans.
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Tara (she/they) is a queer indigenous Chamoru from the island of Guam. her various passions in life are centered in the work of transformative justice and the pursuit of collective liberation. she currently serves and participates in her community through shelter & housing services at Greater Good Northwest, restorative justice and mediation services at ur higher selfie and Resolutions Northwest, cultural stewardship and empowerment as community member and Board Chair of Utopia PDX, and facilitating healing and liberatory spaces at Liberated Together. she is an athlete and outdoor enthusiast who loves to swim, climb, hike, camp, paddle board, and garden. Tara lives in St. Johns with her lovely wife, Kimmy, and their two cats - Snax and Boba.
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Stephen Fowler (He/They). this liberation warrior is a community educator and performing artist from Portland, Oregon. convicted as a teenager, and sentenced to 7.5 years in the Oregon Youth Authority, Stephen used his time to educate and expand his understanding of self-worth, potential, healing, and purpose using art forms and the practice of Restorative Justice. since release, Stephen has given wisdom to many community forums and served on statewide initiatives leading to his pardon by the Governor of Oregon for his outstanding community work. Stephen is still committed to educating organizations, school districts, community members, teachers, parents, and students about the radical practice of Restorative Justice for collective liberation. Stephen is a Consultant, Equity-Informed Mediator, Race Talks Facilitator, Owner of Be The Solution LLC, and the Executive Director of the Restorative Roots Project.
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Jamila Osman (she/her) is a Somali writer, educator, and community organizer. she has taught creative writing from Portland to Palestine, from summer camps to juvenile detention facilities. she is the author of the poetry chapbook A Girl is a Sovereign State. she is a dedicated mediator, restorative justice practitioner, and trainer who believes deeply in transforming systems alongside the work of transforming hearts and minds. she has extensive experience helping individuals, teams, organizations, and schools set and achieve their equity goals so they can heal, grow, and thrive. throughout her professional and personal experience, restorative justice is the framework she uses to approach and understand her art, her relationships, and her place in the world.