Akasha Lawrence Spence Akasha Lawrence Spence is an innovator, change agent, and intuitive strategist who puts community first. Her work serves as an incubator for the liberation of frontline communities through an economic justice framework animated by the question “Who gets to decide?”

She is the CEO of Fifth Element Community Development and Consulting—fortifying strategically underserved communities through decision making power in the built environment and the halls of our democracy. Akasha has served her community as an Oregon State Senator and House Representative. Her collaborative leadership and strong advocacy background led to over $100 million in historic investments in Oregon's most vulnerable communities.

Akasha is interested in deepening equitable economic development, and planning comprehensively for diverse urban and regional communities across the globe. Her goal is to empower communities to make decisions about what happens to them, for them, and in their name. She believes that when communities have ownership and control of their resources, they are more resilient, self-sufficient and dynamic.

Akasha champions this ethos in her capacity as Board Chair of Neighborhood Partnerships, Vice Chair of Emerge Oregon, Councilor on the Hey Doc Clinic Advisory Council, during her tenure on The City of Portland's Planning and Sustainability Commission, The Oregon Commission on Black Affairs, The Governors Racial Justice Council, The Business Oregon Commission, Next Up and Next Up Action Fund and the Associate Board of Business for a Better Portland.

Akasha holds degrees in Political Science, Anthropology and Architecture.

She writes essays and creative nonfiction; enjoys reading; golfing; climbing; traveling; patroning, collecting, and enjoying the arts.