Alumna Makes Portland Pantheon
10 July 2008 Alumna Makes Portland Pantheon
In Portland, Oregon theres a massive mural that spans the entire side of a warehouse. The Women Making History Mural tells the story of women who have made a significant impact on the Portland community, celebrating them with a photo and a narrative in bright, painted colors. Fortunately for the Colleges, a William Smith alumna has been added to that Portland pantheon. Kristan K.D. Parman 96 and her partner, Basic Rights of Oregon Executive Director Jeana Frazzini, were both recognized for their vital roles in the advancement of equality in Oregon courts for same-sex couples. After having son Emmett Rocco, Parman filed and won a lawsuit against the state of Oregon, which had blocked Frazzini from being listed on Emmetts birth certificate as a parent. Her advocacy for women began years ago. While at HWS, she was extremely active at the Womens Resource Center and at the forefront of all womens events on campus. Parman was also a member of Hai Timiai and played varsity basketball. This past spring, Parman returned to HWS for the Womens Collective conference, Reclaiming the Sunlight, in order to teach a workshop which looked at the national movement for marriage equality for same sex couples. To view photos of The Mural sponsored by In Other Words Womens Books and Resources, click here.