JR Lilly was born in Fort Defiance, Ariz., as a member of the Dine (Navajo) Nation. As part of a new generation that straddles a cultural chasm, he leads efforts to further the conversation around defining the role of our generation for both Native and Non-Native communities.

Born and raised on the Navajo Nation amongst a rich culture of generosity, he learned the beauty that comes from centuries of resilience. With the help of his community he survived poverty, domestic violence, and other harsh realities during his childhood. It is this life experience that has created his passion and desire to do as others have done for him. JR wants to help create a preferred future for Native American families.

In his current role as the East Portland Action Plan (EPAP) Advocate, he coordinates the ongoing community group charged to provide leadership and guidance to public agencies on how to strategically address community-identified issues and allocate resources to improve livability in East Portland.

Since an early age he has enjoyed participating in various volunteer and leadership roles that have taught him the value of service. Most recently he has had the pleasure to serve on several nonprofit Board of Directors and Public Advisory Committees, providing him with opportunity to use his skills and talents to address the issues he is most passionate about.

Always eager to seek new possibilities, JR is innovative, venturesome, decisive, trusting, and optimistic. He enjoys talking through tough problems and helping to identify the best solution. He thrives when helping others reach their goals and working towards a common mission.