Carol Turner and her husband David have called Beaumont-Wilshire home since 2002, but their Oregon roots stretch back to the 1970s. Over the decades, Carol has dedicated herself to serving her community, but if you ask her what matters most, her answer is immediate: “My most important job is being a mother,” she says, referring to her two adult children and five grandchildren.
Carol’s path into civic work began in the schools. When her kids were school age, she dove into education advocacy, focusing on school funding, which led to 12 years as an elected member of the Portland Public Schools Board. “Healthy public education is vital to our city,” she says. After that, she worked for Mayor Vera Katz as an education advocate for the City of Portland, then launched her own consulting business helping non-profits and government agencies build stronger boards and teams.
Carol is retired now but continues to follow her passion. She is the co-founder of Interfaith Alliance on Poverty and Shelter Now, organizations that focus on issues of poverty and houselessness in our region.
When I asked what she loves about Portland, she didn’t hesitate: “It’s a city where people really get involved.” Her advice for neighbors who want to make a difference? “These are challenging times nationally, but people can still make a difference locally. Get to know your city, county, and state representatives and speak with a moral voice.”
Carol loves Beaumont-Wilshire for its walkability to parks, schools, and quick trips to Pizzicato. She’s in two book clubs, and her newest passion is opera, where she now serves as secretary on the Portland Opera board.
Jamie Gardner is a Portland native and Windermere agent putting her UO journalism degree to use here — finally! She’s lived in Beaumont-Wilshire since 2020 with her husband and two dogs. When she’s not with clients or touring homes, Jamie loves to travel, tackle house projects, and enjoy the local food scene.