“The right person at the right time” for Senate Dist. 26
Raz (pronounced “Roz”) Mason’s breadth of experience has prepared her to serve well the communities and rural areas of District 26 at this time of change and heightened challenges.
Here are some of her diverse roles and experiences:
- Currently, she works as a part-time, licensed security officer to allow independent research on social and political issues – and now to run for Senate District 26.
- Co-founded and served as executive director of a climate change education foundation, the CO2 Foundation, in which she focused on communicating science ideas to a wide public audience, and on how to lessen the impact of extreme weather events.
- Secondary teacher, with experience teaching mathematics, science, social studies – including government, civics, and economics – English, and career/technical education courses, including agriculture.
- Hospital chaplain, who offered spiritual care especially to veterans going through psychological crises or life-threatening illness, and their families.
- Business experience: Former profit-sharing administrator of a large investment company, accounting clerk in a medium-sized retail business, and owner of her small consulting business.
- Long-time worker in the domestic abuse field as a crisis counselor, case manager/advocate, trainer, and volunteer coordinator.
- Mathematics degree with a minor in political science from Bryn Mawr College, magna cum laude.
- Master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from Seattle University and master’s degree in Divinity from Harvard, which she attended on full scholarship.
- Former Oregon competitive youth cyclist racing in road, track, and criterium.
- Grew up in Hermiston as a child, competing in 4-H at the Umatilla County Fair, and spending time in The Dalles – her current home – when competing in swim meets. Graduated from Aloha High School in Beaverton, OR.
Raz Mason is committed to improving residents’ connection with government. She will stay engaged in the legislative process and support responsible bills that address the pressing issues affecting Oregonians today.
Community Involvement
- Steering committee member and presenter: 2021 Northwest Climate Conference.
- Member and former secretary: Chaplain Section, International Association of Chiefs of Police.
- Adult volunteer: Sea Scouts Ship Freedom #399, The Dalles.
- Former Wasco County representative to the Democratic Party of Oregon’s State Central Committee.
- Member, Oregon Women for Agriculture.
- Infinite Family video mentor, weekly since 2019, of a South African teen (Raz lived for a year in South Africa as a child).
- The Dalles Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).
- Founder and leader (while a teacher) of The Dalles Middle School French Club and Language Lab.
- At Harvard, designed and co-organized the national conference “Ivies [Ivy League universities] and the Military: Toward Reconciliation.”
