About Deian
I’m Deian Salazar and I’m running for David Douglas School District Position 3. I’m a young, experienced, relentless fighter for after school programs, underserved communities and socioeconomic mobility at the local and state levels. I’m a multi-ethnic descendant of immigrants with Jewish, Pueblo, and Latino roots. I grew up defying the expectations of doctors and experts and beat the system, and I’m ready to do it again with my unique outside the box thinking to fight for our struggling working families.

I’ve been involved in David Douglas School District longer than most of the school board members, as a former student and longtime community member. I’m running for David Douglas School Board to succeed my old middle school administrator, Hoa Nguyen, to ensure all youth, including those with disabilities, immigrants, and diverse backgrounds, are safe, supported, and prepared for success—whether through college or career paths.
I grew up in a low income household with a single Latina mother with undocumented immigrant roots. Not only will Education Department cuts hurt our school district, but this administration’s planned deportations will hit this community hard and likely cause racial profiling.
Rampant autism vaccine conspiracies will also hurt the community here, but I'm not letting that happen. I’m rolling up my sleeves, using my professional and lived experience to collaborate with fellow board members and elected officials to help ensure our youth succeed and are safe. I would love for you to join this coalition and cause so we can win.
We need to hold our education system accountable, work with leaders across the city and state, invest in higher standards, reduce classroom sizes, and fight for higher wages for teachers. I have the experience and relationships with multiple levels of government to be effective in getting support for our school district and to advocate for diverse youth. I've served on the Portland Children's Levy, the Oregon Commission on Autism as Social Services Co-Chair, the Governor’s Child Foster Care Advisory Commission, and more.