Black Parent Initiative

Meet Yai Lavine 🌱

A proud Portland native and Portland State alum, Yai has dedicated her career to giving back to her community and showing up for those who need support the most ✨
With experience across Multnomah County Health Department, Clark County Juvenile Courts, and the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS), Yai has spent years working alongside youth and families, many from marginalized and high-risk communities, helping them navigate challenges and access resources 💜

Most recently, she served as a Program Manager for adult re-entry services at a local nonprofit, where she supported over 500 individuals returning from incarceration—helping them gain industry-recognized credentials, find employment, and connect to essential services like mental health support and treatment.

In her role at BPI as an Infant & Early Childhood Mental Health Consultant and Family Navigator for the Preschool for All FCO program, Yai is excited to continue that impact by:
✨ Building meaningful relationships with families, educators, and children
✨ Supporting culturally specific communities and children with disabilities
✨ Creating spaces where every voice is heard and valued

Yai is passionate about closing gaps that should have never existed and creating pathways for equity, healing, and opportunity within our communities 🌿
Her work is rooted in advocacy, connection, and uplifting those who have too often gone unseen—helping families feel supported, empowered, and heard 💫

🎉 Fun Fact: Yai loves staying connected to her community and finding new ways to uplift and support those around her 💜

Meet Bobby Bridges Jr. 🌼

Bobby is a lifelong youth advocate dedicated to ensuring Black youth are seen, heard, and represented in every space where decisions are made.🧡

From working in teen behavioral facilities and Child Welfare to his role with the Youth Development Council, Bobby has consistently uplifted the voices of youth of color—making sure their needs and solutions are part of the conversation.
Known for his innovative mindset, Bobby believes in creating solutions where systems fall short. From launching the first father’s group within DHS Child Welfare to addressing disproportionate discipline in schools, he leads with courage, vision, and a commitment to change.

At The Black Parent Initiative, Bobby brings his MSW from Portland State University and his passion for community to support young people and families, working toward a future where our communities thrive unapologetically. ✊🏾

🎉 Fun fact: Bobby’s ultimate goal is to help build a real-life “Wakanda” a thriving, empowered community rooted in strength and innovation 🌍✨

Stay tuned as we get ready to introduce our next program Together We Can.🧑‍🧑‍🧒‍🧒