Akasha Lawrence Spence

Akasha Lawrence Spence is a Democratic politician and community advocate from Oregon. She is the first person in her family to be born in America; her mother immigrated to the United States over 40 years ago and served as both a nurse and military officer. Spence is a small business owner, civic activist, and public servant focused on expanding economic opportunity and democratic participation in frontline communities.

Spence founded and serves as CEO of Fifth Element Community Development and Consulting, a real estate development firm dedicated to strengthening underserved communities through decision-making power in the built environment. She is also the founder of Melanated, an organization for women of color focused on financial empowerment, entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and community stewardship.

Political Experience

Spence served in the Oregon House of Representatives representing District 36 from January 2020 to January 2021. During her tenure in the House, she worked on landmark legislation including police reform bills, landlord and tenant protections, and a comprehensive COVID-19 response. She played a key role in championing the $62 million Oregon Cares Fund for Black Relief and Resiliency, collaborating with statewide coalitions to provide direct economic support to Black communities, farmworkers, immigrant families, small businesses, and Indigenous communities.

She was subsequently elected to the Oregon Senate, representing District 18 from December 2021 to January 2023. Her collaborative leadership and advocacy background contributed to over $100 million in historic investments in Oregon's most vulnerable communities.

Education and Current Positions

While specific educational details are not available, Spence holds numerous leadership positions including Board Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships, Vice Chair of Emerge Oregon, Co-Chair of the Oregon Future Caucus, and positions on various advisory boards and commissions including the Planning and Sustainability Commission and the Governor's Racial Justice Council.