Willow Ryon

Program coordinator with long brown hair and white top smiling in front of pink and green foliage

Willow Ryon, a native rural Oregonian, grew up in Rogue River, Oregon. She then attended University of Oregon as a PathwayOregon recipient, graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in Planning, Public Policy and Management with minors in Nonprofit Administration and Economics. Willow’s desire to help bridge the gaps rural communities face, specifically in regards to access to affordable housing and higher education, led her to a year of service with the RARE Program. From 2022-2023 Willow served in rural, remote Eastern Oregon under the Eastern Oregon Regional Educator Network (EOREN) working on educator recruitment and retention.

Willow came on staff with the RARE Program in November of 2023 as the Outreach and Engagement Coordinator where she supported recruitment work for Year 31 and event planning for the 30 Year Reunion. After wrapping up the reunion, Willow came on full-time as a Program Coordinator – in this role, she supports members, leads communication efforts, engages alumni, and manages our mentor program.

Outside of work Willow can be found with her partner and their three dogs on their family’s farm, in the gym, cheering on sports teams (Sco Ducks!), or out exploring the great PNW.