Dr. Coles debugging code with a PSU/Intel intern

Dr. Derron Coles

Executive Director

Dr. Derron Coles is a Learning strategist with over 14 years experience designing learner-focused competency development training. Derron has a wide-ranging portfolio that runs the gamut from learning solutions for technical topics, like a globally utilized online training on river system analysis, to interpersonal skills training, such as his award winning diversity training curriculum.

Upon completing his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering at University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Derron moved to Oregon to complete a masters and doctorate in civil engineering at Oregon State University. Derron spent eight years managing the mathematics program for the OSU Educational Opportunities Program. In this role, Derron lead culturally responsive efforts to recruit and retain underrepresented science and engineering students. In addition to his position as executive director of The Blueprint Foundation, Derron is also owner and principal consultant for DRC Learning Solutions (DRC LS). Through DRC LS, Derron develops and evaluates project-based curriculum for technical and social justice-oriented education programs, including school districts in Portland and Salem.

Jason Stroman

Program Director

Jason Stroman is a mentoring and counseling specialist. Prior to supervising mentors and organizing TBF programming, Jason spent five years as a Senior Technician for Quantum Clean Global Technologies, a leading process tool and parts cleaning provider for the semiconductor industry. As a mental health counselor, Jason worked close to a decade with opportunity youth in residential treatment facilities. He also has over 20 years experience mentoring future leaders through various professional and volunteer positions.

Jason attended Washington State University, where he studied Psychology and Sociology, played varsity football, and joined the historically Black Greek-letter organization, Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. Currently serving as Director of Education for the fraternity’s Oregon Alumni chapter, Omicron Theta Sigma, he previously served two terms as Chapter President, during which time he helped established The Blueprint Foundation.

Jason is a member of Mannahouse Church and bus driver for its outreach ministry. When not working or engaged in community service, Jason enjoys cooking, traveling, exploring the outdoors, watching college football, and spending quality time with his wife Kara, an early childhood educator with Portland Public Schools, his daughter Ja’Kaia, and stepsons Kingston & Kyan.

Blake Dye

Board Member

Blake Dye, is a public administrator with a focus on Human Resources. Blake currently works in Human Resources for the Oregon State Police. He was recently elected Incoming Chair of the State of Oregon Diversity and Inclusion Conference.

Blake’s credentials include a Master of Public Administration and the following certifications: 1) Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), 2) SHRM - Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP), and 3) Dangerous Goods Safety Adviser (DGSA).

Marc-Daniel Domond

Board Chair

Marc-Daniel Domond serves as Executive Project Manager for COLAS where he oversees the estimating department and all project managers. With nearly a decade of construction experience, Marc-Daniel’s work has spanned the entire CSI and uniquely orients him to manage value engineering opportunities and construction challenges. Adept in finance, construction delivery systems, value engineering, sequence of operations, crew size requirements and determination of physical constraints for project sites, Marc-Daniel is able to efficiently lead his team through challenging details.

Known for his thorough and fair approach, Marc-Daniel is charged with infusing his teams with his signature focus and the tools to stay on-time and on-budget.

Marc-Daniel holds a degree in Business Finance and Management from the Lundquist College of Business at the University of Oregon and is trilingual, fluent in English, Spanish and French.

Guided by a commitment to social justice and community involvement, he is a Big Brother for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America and volunteers extensively for causes such as the Oregon Food bank, Race for the Cure, March of Dimes, and the American Red Cross.

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Dr. Kimberlynn Heller

Board Member

Dr. Heller received her DO from Michigan State University and completed her medical residency at the University of Illinois in Peoria. She is a Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology, a member of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of Oregon, the Society for Maternal Fetal Medicine, and several other medical organizations. Dr. Heller now has a busy practice and enjoys helping patients achieve whole body health and natural birthing methods. Dr. Heller enjoys camping, hiking, biking, fishing and jogging with her husband.

Ian Heisser

Board Secretary

Ian Heisser is Director of Technology for Transactional Services Operations at Expedia. His background is in computer science, receiving his bachelor’s of applied science degree from Xavier University of Louisiana. Currently, Ian is also the Western Region Director and Board Member of the National Sigma Beta Club Foundation. His previous work experience includes 14 years as a lead test engineer for Microsoft.

Aubré Dickson

Board Treasurer

Aubré Dickson is Principal at PARAH Development Services LLC, here he provides technical services in the area of real estate development and finance with a primary focus in affordable multi-family and mixed-use housing and more specifically projects that utilize federal programs. Aubré assists clients with strategic planning and budgeting, including forecasting, financial analysis, investment and portfolio review, cash management, and banking.

Aubré has contributed years of service to the Portland community: he has served on the African American Advisory Committee, Portland Housing Center Board, the African American Mentorship Council, the Advisory Board of Big Brother Big Sister of Columbia Northwest, and the Portland State University Alumni Association.

Vanessa Grant Coats

Board Member

Vanessa Grant Coats is a youth advocate and has spent the past 3 years working with opportunity youth in various capacities. Vanessa has also been a mentor with the Blue Print Foundation since 2017 and served as the programs first female identifying mentor.

Vanessa graduated from Western Oregon University with a Bachelors degree in Social Science and a focus in Geography. Vanessa aspires to continue her education with a Masters in Social Work in hopes of becoming a holistic therapist; continuing her work with underserved and marginalized communities and providing access to mental health services. Vanessa is a transracial adoptee and is an active advocate within her adoption community.

When Vanessa is not engaging with youth she can be found exploring the hiking trails of Oregon, writing, spending time with loved ones, and traveling.