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Hello Gresham neighbors,
I’m Emon Ghassemi, and I’m honored to serve as the Youth Services and Recreation Manager for the City of Gresham. Since joining the city in 2022, I’ve been dedicated to creating meaningful opportunities for young people and families in our community.
As I approach my third year in this role, I continue to be inspired by the resilience, energy, and potential of Gresham’s youth.
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At the heart of my work is a commitment to expanding youth services, increasing access to recreation, and strengthening violence prevention efforts. One of my top priorities has been the East Multnomah Outreach Prevention Intervention (EMOPI) program, which we launched to address youth violence, provide intervention and mentorship, and connect young people with the resources they need to succeed. Through EMOPI, we’ve partnered with 18 community-based organizations to provide outreach, case management, and positive youth engagement throughout Gresham and East Multnomah County. This work is critical to ensuring that young people facing challenges have support systems in place rather than being pushed further into harm's way.
Our approach is holistic, data-driven, and deeply rooted in community collaboration. We’ve built partnerships with schools, law enforcement, behavioral health providers, and grassroots organizations to ensure that intervention efforts are preventative rather than reactive. Our goal is to interrupt cycles of violence, provide alternatives to exclusionary discipline, and create more opportunities for youth to succeed in school, work, and life. Through these efforts, we’re not only making an impact on individual lives but also strengthening the entire community by fostering safer neighborhoods, more engagement in positive activities, and greater investment in our city’s future generations.
In addition to our violence prevention efforts, I’ve been focused on revitalizing Gresham’s recreation programs to make sure families have access to safe, fun, and enriching activities. Whether it's summer camps, after-school programs, sports leagues, or citywide events, my goal is to create spaces where all young people feel included, supported, and encouraged to thrive. Recreation plays a crucial role in building connections, improving mental and physical well-being, and keeping youth engaged in positive experiences. My vision is to expand these programs so that every young person in Gresham has access to activities that inspire them and help them grow.
This March, I have the privilege of chaperoning four outstanding young leaders from Gresham to Washington, D.C. for the National League of Cities’ Congressional City Conference. Three of these youths represent the Reynolds School District. This experience will allow them to engage with elected officials, learn about public policy, and connect with youth leaders from across the country. As someone who believes deeply in the power of mentorship and civic engagement, I’m incredibly proud to support these young people as they represent Gresham on a national stage. These kinds of opportunities not only shape young minds but also empower them to become future leaders, advocates, and changemakers in their own communities.
A little about me. I was born in 1982 in Tehran, Iran, during the Iran-Iraq War, a time of great uncertainty and hardship for many families. My parents made the difficult decision to leave Iran when I was just over four years old because they wanted a better life for me and my sister, free from war and instability. We arrived in the United States and eventually made Oregon our home, where we worked hard to build a new life. Growing up as an immigrant, I experienced firsthand the challenges of adapting to a new culture, learning a new language, and trying to fit in while holding onto our heritage. Despite these challenges, I’ve always been grateful for the opportunities this country and this state have provided me.
I earned my B.A. in International Studies from Portland State University, where I developed a passion for understanding global issues, cultural dynamics, and social change. I later pursued my M.A. in Peace & Conflict Studies, which deepened my commitment to youth development, violence prevention, and creating pathways for young people to succeed. My education and life experiences have shaped my belief that every young person, regardless of their background or circumstances, deserves opportunities to thrive, learn, and contribute to their community.
Gresham has always felt like a special place to me. This city is full of passionate, hardworking people who care about their neighbors and are committed to making Gresham a great place to live. Whether I’m working with community-based organizations, collaborating with school districts, or organizing events for local families, I see firsthand the power of connection, mentorship, and community-driven solutions. I believe that when we invest in our youth, we invest in a stronger, safer, and more vibrant future for everyone. I’m proud of the work we’ve done through EMOPI, recreation, and youth outreach, and I’m excited about the opportunities ahead to expand and strengthen these efforts.
Looking forward, my focus will remain on growing these programs, deepening partnerships, and advocating for the resources our youth and families need. I welcome anyone who wants to get involved, whether you’re a parent, mentor, or community leader, because real change happens when we work together.
Thank you for letting me be a part of this incredible community. I look forward to continuing this work and seeing the positive impact we can create together!
Best,
Emon Ghassemi
