Driven by her passion for leadership development, equity, and entrepreneurship, Cara Turano has been a committed member of The Junior League for over two decades, with membership spanning the Junior Leagues of Birmingham, Atlanta, and Portland. Throughout this time, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Vice President of Fund Development, Vice President of Learning & Development, DEI Committee Co-Chair, and Leadership Retreat Chair. Her innovative approach to fundraising helped introduce the Little Black Dress Initiative (LBDI) to the U.S., a campaign that has since been replicated by Leagues nationwide, strengthening fundraising efforts and community engagement. 

Beyond her work in the League, Cara has served as a Volunteer Service Specialist and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist for AJLI (2017-2022), where she guided Junior Leagues across the country in embedding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) principles into their operations. Her work helped shape League policies and training programs, ensuring long-term impact and encouraging systemic change. 

 Professionally, Cara is a strategic leader in entrepreneurship and economic development, currently serving as President & Executive Director of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network. In this role, she has led the organization out of a $175K budget deficit, increased membership by 40% annually, and oversees a $750K budget, ensuring resources and support for entrepreneurs across Oregon. Her expertise in fostering economic growth has earned her prestigious recognition, including Portland Business Journal’s Women of Influence Award (2025), TECNA Major Impact on Tech Community Award (2021), and University of Georgia 40 Under 40 (2015). 

Cara’s leadership extends to numerous boards and advisory committees, including the Metro Region Innovation Hub, Portland Seed Fund Intrepid Oregon Fund, Oregon Clinical & Translational Research Institute’s Drug & Device Advisory Committee, Collaborative Economic Development Oregon, and Portland Public Schools. 

Cara holds a Master’s degree in Exercise & Sport Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Georgia. She credits her lifelong commitment to service to her mother, who instilled in her a passion for volunteerism at an early age. For Cara, volunteering is a reciprocal act—she believes that the more one gives to the community, the more they receive in return. At home, she is supported by her wonderful husband, stepchildren, and their beloved dog.