Meet a PWA Board Member: Tom Trevino
Tom Trevino, a Branch Manager with Columbia Bank in Portland, was elected to the Portland Workforce Alliance Board of Directors in June 2026.
Working at Columbia Bank in Portland, Tom partners with local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. Passionate about community involvement and mentorship, Tom believes exposure to new opportunities can change the trajectory of a young person's life. Through his service on the Portland Workforce Alliance Board, he hopes to help students expand their view of what's possible and connect them to careers, mentors, and experiences that can shape their future.
Tom first got connected to PWA by volunteering at the NW Youth Careers Expo. Below are some insights from Tom:
- Best career advice: “Be able to see opportunity even when there isn't a dollar attached to it. Some of the most valuable experiences, relationships, and career growth come from saying yes before you know what the return will be.”
- Most memorable job as a teenager: “My first job was as a Parks & Recreation youth sports coordinator. I thought the hard part would be scheduling fields and games; it turned out to be mediating adults arguing over 8-yr-old soccer.”
- Something I learned in high school about work: “I learned early that working with people is often more challenging than the work itself. Good communication, patience, and empathy can solve a lot of problems.”
- What draws me to serve PWA: “From my very first PWA event, I left energized. I didn't have opportunities like this growing up, so being able to show up for young people who share a familiar background feels like a gift. Truthfully, I often leave feeling like I received more than I gave.”
Thank you, Tom, for your service to the community through PWA!
