Learn at Lunch

Ryan Sturley – Director of Real Estate & Development, College Housing Northwest 

Ryan Sturley (he/him) has over a decade of experience in the student housing industry, with focuses in real estate development, finance, and asset management. Ryan has overseen CHNW’s real estate expansion efforts to serve community college students in East County, and has been a strong advocate for the creation of affordable student housing throughout the Portland Metro region. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Business from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Master’s Degree in Real Estate Development from Portland State University. 

Pam Blumenthal – Director of Affordable Rents for College Students Program (ARCS) 

Pam Blumenthal (she/her) has over two decades of hands-on experience creating and managing support programs for underrepresented students. Currently, Pam is the Director of the Affordable Rents for College Students Program (ARCS) at College Housing Northwest (CHNW). At ARCS Pam leads a first-of-its-kind innovative, affordable, and subsidized housing program for low-income college students. In her role, she champions fundraising efforts through engagement with government, corporate, individual, and philanthropic stakeholders, as well as engages post-secondary and nonprofit partners in program development and expansion.  

Prior to CHNW, Pam worked at Portland Community College for over 16 years where she led multiple programs all with the focus of creating opportunity through higher education. Early in Pam’s career she worked as a school-based child and family therapist and has held roles at both schools and nonprofits. Pam holds a bachelor's degree in French Literature from the University of Oregon and a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lewis and Clark College.  

Bhaktirose Dawdy – Director of Student Basic Needs Initiatives, Mt Hood Community College