Three Questions for the Newest People Behind the Movement
Meet the newest members of the Sisters of the Road team and hear what brings them to this work, what they've been working on recently, and something a little more personal.
Nicki Dardinger
Executive Director
What drew you to Sisters of the Road?
I love that Sisters is grounded in our philosophies of gentle personalism, dignity, nonviolence, anti-oppression, and systemic change, and everyone here lives those values in everything we do.
What is a highlight of your time so far?
I have really enjoyed getting to know the incredible staff, volunteers, and community partners. I'm also very proud of the Finding Home Report and elevating the voices of our unhoused neighbors who are the true experts on the solutions to the homelessness crisis in our city.
Do you have a book recommendation?
Three of my favorite recent books that I’ve read are Prophet Song by Paul Lynch, The Emperor of Gladness by Ocean Vuong, and By The Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle.
JJ
Systemic Change Director
What drew you to Sisters of the Road?
From the start, I felt that Sisters is a place where people truly see each other. It’s not just about services — it’s about dignity, connection, and showing up for one another in real, tangible ways.
What is a highlight of your time so far?
One of my most meaningful moments so far was simply sitting with a community member during a meal and listening. They told me it was the first time in a long while they felt truly heard — and that’s what Sisters is all about.
What is your favorite thing about Portland?
I love getting out in nature, hiking the trails and exploring the rivers and forests. In the city, I love discovering Portland’s cafés and food carts. For me, Portland is a place where the outdoors, community, and good food come together in the best way.
Katie Sponagle
Systemic Change Organizer
What drew you to Sisters of the Road?
I first interned at Sisters in 2019 and was struck by the deep history of grassroots organizing and thoughtful philosophies. People told me then: “Once you’re part of Sisters, you’re always part of it.” That’s held true for me.
What is a highlight of your time so far?
We just wrapped the Finding Home launch party, and it was such a joy to be in community with everyone who helped bring it to life. That kind of collective energy is what makes this work so powerful.
What gets you fired up?
What gets me fired up is collective action. The energy and excitement when people
come together with a shared vision and goal. Taking action toward that goal and the
deep gratitude and fulfillment when it is accomplished. There’s nothing like it!
Elias Olson
Director of Development & Communications
What drew you to Sisters of the Road?
I previously worked with Nicki connecting unhoused folks experiencing addiction with peer recovery mentors. Joining Sisters felt like the perfect way to combine my grassroots organizing background with a deeper commitment to our unhoused neighbors.
What is a highlight of your time so far?
Exploring our space in Old Town has been wild and beautiful. It is
an honor to help steward all the history that lives in these walls.
What is your favorite thing about Portland?
I adore our MAX! Growing up in Washington, D.C., I loved riding the Metro. I adore trains!