The Annual National Convening
August 24-26, 2026
Denver, CO
The Legislative Leadership Center’s flagship convening serves as the nation’s premier platform for legislative leaders of color. Together, we address critical policy challenges and strengthen our collective impact on state governance.
Experience exclusive leadership training, bipartisan networking opportunities, and deep-dive policy sessions led by national experts in our capital headquarters.
Featured Leader Spotlight
Kayse Jama
oregon senate majority leader
Senator Jama is proud to be the first former refugee, Black Muslim and Somali-American to serve in the Oregon State Senate. He is the co-founder of the Center for Intercultural Organizing (Unite Oregon) which is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to uplifting all Oregonians. Housing is one of Leader Jama's top priorities, and he has worked tirelessly to strengthen eviction protections, rent control, reducing building regulations, and more. He is also has a string track record of taking legislative action to improve education, childcare, the environment, and protecting our democracy.
What is unique about your background or upbringing?
I was born into a nomad family in Somalia. In the harsh desert environment, we depended on one another for survival. We all had a specific role to play, and if one of us didn't do our part, the whole system would collapse. I carry this cooperative thinking with me until today, and I strongly believe that everyone's unique skills, contributions and talents make our communities stronger. It’s what drives my passion for engaging people across differences.
I graduated from Marylhurst University.
What major challenge or obstacle are you currently focused on addressing?
As our state legislature responds to fiscal constraints resulting from passage of the federal HR1 budget bill, my goal is to protect services and programs for our most vulnerable populations, including health care, education, and housing.
What is the core mission driving your legislative service?
My mission as a state legislator is to pass policies and budget priorities that uplift struggling Oregonians, address inequities and expand economic opportunity for all.
Please share the most significant achievement of your career to date.
After having advocated for 11 years outside the building (as a community organizer), I introduced and passed a bill to create Oregon's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement (OIRA). This happened in my very first session, and demonstrated how important it is to have representation within our state legislature. OIRA advocates for immigrant and refugee populations across the state.
Is there someone who helped mentor you to help you become the person you are today?
My brother, Hassan Jama, has been my lifelong mentor. He ingrained in me the value of leading with the people, always beside them.
What are your top 3 platform priorities as an elected official?
1. Addressing housing affordability and homelessness
2. Providing quality education
3. Ensuring our economy works for all Oregonians
What is the most valuable lesson you've learned in your role as a BiPOC state legislator in a leadership position?
Collaboration is the key to success. We come from very different backgrounds and world views as legislators, but we must build relationships and understanding across differences to make progress for Oregonians. As an African refugee, I have had to adapt and learn about others to survive, and this experience has helped me connect with my colleagues and position me as a leader. Creating a just society is a relay race. We take the baton from those who came before us and we must also consider those young BiPOC leaders ready to take the baton from us, and prepare them for the next leg of the journey.
What are a few non-work-related activities or hobbies that help you recharge?
I love to travel with my family, watch soccer, and spend time in nature.
What else would you like for us to know about you?
I am an introvert, contrary to what people might think about politicians.