A powerful reflection on leadership rooted in service, resilience, and community advocacy. This piece explores how personal background, professional experience, and commitment to equity shape authentic leadership and inspire meaningful change.
Her Story
About Tida
Tida is a dedicated public official and leader in the government sector committed to advancing meaningful change through service, advocacy, and collaboration. She works as an OA2 at the District Attorney's Office in Portland, Oregon, where she has been for two and a half years after accumulating more than 15 years of experience in administrative roles across several capacities and five years in government. In addition to her role at the DA's office, Lane-Howe serves on the Executive Board of the Oversight Community Board for Police Accountability, a volunteer position, and acts as an Executive Board member for Local 88 AFSCME union. She is finishing her Certificate of Justice at Harvard, has completed a certificate of policy, a certificate in statistics at Stanford and is certified in human rights through the Institute of Human Diplomacy. Lane-Howe is also completing her studies at Walden University in communications and management after attending Cabrillo College and Santa Cruz High School. Her notable achievements include selection to the historic OCBPA board out of over 200 applicants and receiving a high school service award medal along with a scholarship. She also recently received a scholarship of 45k at Walden University towards her studies for an essay on being an immigrant as well as for her experience in being adopted. As early as Junior high she received awards for outstanding academic accomplishments, won the science fair, and in elementary school was a gifted child who received Presidential Awards. As a young Latina and Native American leader, she remains passionate about public service, community representation, and pursuing a law degree to become a DA.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Tida
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a relentlessly unique drive to continuously improve myself and make a meaningful difference in my community. I believe that growth comes from perseverance, hard work, and a willingness to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn.I strive to give my best everyday, whether it is in serving the public, advocating for others, or pursuing my education and professional goals. My commitment to service, combined with the determination to leave my community better than I found it, motivates me to keep moving forward and inspires everything I do.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to never let anyone else define my potential. I was told that titles can open doors, but character, integrity, and consistency are what build a lasting career. That advice has reminded me to stay focused on serving others, continue learning, and never stop investing in my personal and professional growth. It has encouraged me to pursue opportunities that align with my values, embrace challenges with confidence, and remain committed to making a positive impact in my community, regardless of the obstacles I may face. Stay relentless.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to women entering the government and legal fields is to believe in your abilities, speak up with confidence, and never underestimate the value of your perspective. These professions need leaders who bring integrity, compassion, and diverse lived experiences to the table. Seek out integral mentors, build strong relationships, and never stop learning, but don't wait for permission to lead.
There may be moments when you are the only woman or the only person with your background in the room. Instead of seeing that as a barrier, see it as an opportunity to bring a voice that might otherwise go unheard. Stay true to your values, lead with purpose, and remember that every challenge you overcome helps create a more inclusive path for those who follow. Si se puede.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest opportunities for growth in government and the legal field today is rebuilding and maintaining public trust while navigating increasingly complex social and political issues. Public servants are expected to balance accountability, transparency, and fairness while working within systems that often face limited resources and growing public scrutiny. Personally, one of my greatest challenges has been balancing full-time public service, community leadership, union advocacy, and higher education while preparing for a future career in law. Each role requires time, resilience, and dedication, but these experiences have strengthened my leadership, deepened my understanding of public service, and reinforced my commitment to pursuing meaningful, lasting change in the communities I serve.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me are service, integrity, compassion, and the commitment to continue growing as both a professional and as a person. At the heart of everything I do is a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the community I serve. I believe that leadership is not just about a title or position, it is about showing up, listening, advocating for others, and doing the right thing even when it is difficult.
Maintaining balance is also important to me because I believe that being effective in public service requires taking care of yourself while caring for others. My family, relationships, community, and the people I serve motivate me to keep learning, improving, and giving my best each day. The values I carry with me remind me why I chose this path. I am here to make positive change and to help create a stronger and more equitable community for future generations.
Her Content Hub
Articles by Tida
A New Generation of Leadership
How lived experience, resilience, and community service shape authentic leadership and lasting change.
Leadership is often born from experience. Whether that experience is a setback or a learning opportunity depends on how resilient your mind has become. It is shaped by the moments that define us, the communities that challenge us, and the responsibility we feel to create something better for those who come after us.
For me, leadership has never been about recognition. It has always been about service—even when I'm exhausted; representation—even on rainy days; and the commitment to making a meaningful difference without trying to save face.
As a young Latina and Native American woman, my journey has been shaped by the strength, resilience, and stories of the communities I represent. Growing up in Santa Cruz, California, and building my life in Portland, Oregon, over the past 14 years has given me a unique perspective on the importance of belonging, opportunity, and community-driven change through giving back. These experiences have reinforced my belief that our backgrounds are not barriers to leadership; they are the foundation from which we lead.
Today, I serve my community through my work as an OA2 at the District Attorney's Office, where I have gained a deeper understanding of how the justice system impacts individuals and families affected by crime every day. Working within the justice system has strengthened my commitment to fairness, accountability, and ensuring that people feel heard. It has shown me that behind every policy and every process are human lives, and that compassionate leadership has the power to transform communities.
My dedication to advocacy extends beyond my professional role. Through my service on the OCBPA and AFSCME boards, I have had the opportunity to engage in conversations about equity, representation, and the future of our workplaces and communities. These roles have taught me that leadership is not simply about holding a position; it is about using that position to uplift others, build connections, and open doors for voices that have historically been overlooked or silenced.
I believe the leaders of tomorrow must be lifelong learners. My goal of pursuing a law degree reflects my continued commitment to expanding my knowledge and strengthening my ability to advocate for others. Education has always been more than a personal goal for me; it is a pathway to greater impact and a tool for building a more equitable future.
Representation matters. When young people see leaders who reflect their experiences and understand their communities, they begin to imagine new possibilities for themselves. I want future generations to know that leadership is not reserved for a select few; it is accessible to anyone willing to serve, learn, and stand up for what matters.
My journey is ongoing, and I remain committed to growing as a leader, advocate, and community member. The greatest measure of success is not the titles we earn but the lives we touch and the progress we help create. Every step forward is an opportunity to inspire others and contribute to a future where every community has the chance to thrive.
Leadership is a responsibility.
Service is a commitment.
And lasting change begins when we choose to show up.
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