A conversation with Zari Khodaparast Santner, the only female Director of Portland's Bureau of Parks & Recreation. She is retiring after nearly 30 years. She began her studies in her native Iran and concluded them at Harvard. In addition to her paid work she is also well known for her community engagement.
She says: “I saw how parks could become manifestations of democracy, where people from all walks of life could enjoy public space, regardless of wealth and background.”