Bree Cubrilovic
Email: Bree.Cubrilovic@geodc.netOrganization: Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation
Community: Eastern Oregon
Serves: Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla and Wheeler
Meet Bree Cubrilovic (she/her/hers):
Bree’s least favorite questions is, “Where are you from?” because of her nomadic tendency. She grew up in rural Northern California, before moving to Las Vegas to complete her degree in International Business (with a minor in Economics) and Asian Studies (with a minor in Chinese) at University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her strong belief in community service led her to spend a year with AmeriCorps VISTA at a business development organization in Austin, TX and then to serve with Peace Corps Jamaica from 2014-2016, as a Sustainable Agricultural and Environmental Promoter. Following Peace Corps, she continued to travel and work as a farmer for 4 years. She joined RARE to continue to dedicate her work towards service, bridging her formal learning and work experience into influential and sustainable outcomes for Eastern Oregon.
Community and Organization:
Headquartered in Pendleton, Greater Eastern Oregon Development Corporation serves 7 of Eastern Oregon’s counties (Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Malheur, Morrow, Umatilla, and Wheeler) – making it the largest (land size) economic development district in the US. Culturally, historically and geographically diverse- Eastern Oregon is a hidden gem of the West. The land is split between frontier and rural areas with agriculture being one of the largest industries. Eastern Oregonians pride themselves on being stewards of the land, preserving and the natural environment, while also enjoying all it has to offer from outdoor recreation, birdwatching, fishing, hunting and more!
Project:
Bree Cubrilovic focused on Economic Resiliency in response to COVID-19 and natural disasters. She used the findings from a case study developed by University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research and Engagement from the solar eclipse in 2017 to form community resilience teams across Eastern Oregon and create a series of classes to prepare entrepreneurs and businesses for future economic disruptions. She also looked at opportunities to bring offshore manufacturing back to Eastern Oregon.