Executive Board

Darcell Dance, LCSW - President

Darcell Dance, is a life-long resident of Portland, Oregon. Darcell has a BA in Journalism from the University of Oregon, a Master of Social Work from Portland State University and a School Counseling Certificate from George Fox University. In addition to being a licensed clinical social worker, Darcell is a licensed school counselor for grades Pre-K-12. 

Darcell has more than 25 years of experience working with children and families in multiple settings including: schools, child welfare agencies, child care centers, domestic violence resource centers, community health centers, hospitals, and residential treatment centers. 

Darcell was a Mental Health Consultant with the Multnomah County Early Childhood Mental Health Program and served as the team’s Equity Lead prior to becoming the Program Supervisor. Darcell is currently the Behavioral Health Supervisor for the Early Childhood Mental

Health Program consulting to Preschool for All.

Darcell is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the co-owner of Mo Better Wellness, Connection and Facilitation and the co-founder and board chair of the non-profit Village 503.

Darcell is the second president and a founding member of Oregon ABSW. 

The purpose of the Oregon ABSW is for the Black community to benefit in Oregon. 

Aasha Benton is a dedicated advocate for mental health, youth empowerment, and community connection. 

Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Aasha is a proud graduate of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, a distinguished HBCU, where she earned her degree in Psychology. 

She is also a legacy member of the esteemed Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., reflecting her commitment to sisterhood, scholarship, and public service.

Building on her passion for service and education, Aasha earned her Master of Social Work (MSW) from Portland State University. 

She currently serves as an early childhood mental health consultant for Multnomah County, where she collaborates with families, educators, and community partners to foster healthy development in young children. 

With over a decade of experience as a youth mentor and teaching artist at Caldera, Aasha has inspired countless young people through the transformative power of art and mentorship. 

She co-owns Mo Better Wellness, Connection, and Facilitation, a thriving Black owned business dedicated to cultivating wellness, community and connection for Black women. 

Aasha's leadership extends beyond her professional roles. As a former student member and current vice president of the Oregon chapter of the Association of Black Social Workers (ABSW), she is committed to advancing equity and representation in the social work profession. Through her work and leadership, Aasha strives to make meaningful contributions to the well-being of her community and the growth of future generations.

Gianna Solomon, CSWA - Secretary

Gianna Solomon was born and raised in North/Northeast Portland, where she draws strength and inspiration from the vibrant, diverse community she proudly calls home. 

A proud Demo from Jefferson High School and a graduate of Portland State University, she holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Social Work.  

Gianna’s professional expertise spans early childhood education and mental health services, home visiting, trauma-responsive care, and reflective supervision. 

She is the co-founder of Cultivating Power Within, LLC, where she provides consultation, training, and coaching to organizations committed to equity, workforce development, and systems change.  Grounded in both lived experience and professional practice, Gianna is dedicated to building systems of care that uplift community voice, center cultural responsiveness, and nurture collective healing.  

Outside of her work, Gianna finds joy in spending time with her children and loved ones, exploring new places through travel, and—most recently—line dancing, embracing the power of joy, movement, and connection in all aspects of life.