Darius Mani Yaw hails from the shores of Lake Gichi-Gami in Northern Wisconsin. After serving 4 years in the U.S. Navy, Darius spent 20 years working in the culinary industry before the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down, and he found himself a new career in social services, with a focus on feeding people healthy and nutritious meals. While he can chop an onion faster than you can say "Masters in Public Policy," Darius quickly realized that his voice will be more effective in creating and advancing food policy in Oregon and the United States if he attained some higher education, so he went back to school and graduated in June 2024 from Portland State University Honors College with a B.A. in Indigenous Nations/Native American Studies and an ITECK certificate, and will begin a Masters in Public Policy at PSU in September 2024. While at university, Darius has worked as a National Science Foundation Researcher, a Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation / Portland All Nations Canoe Family Researcher, served as a Veteran Resource Center Advisory Board Member and an Oregon Student Association Student Advocate, and a McNair Scholar 2024. Darius wants to work towards a world where everyone has access to culturally appropriate, nutritious and delicious food no matter their immigration status, financial background. He plans to pursue a DrPH from John Hopkins University and Indigenous Center for Health in order to take a seat at the table.One of the most memorable moments I have had, is to have community members stand in line for a hot meal, and apologize that they are hungry, apologize that they are cold and wet. I asked them to never apologize to me nor anyone else for what they are asking and for what they need. There is never any reason to apologize for the right to basic necessities. Culturally appropriate nutritious food, clean clothing, healthy housing, fresh clean water, access to equitable medical care, and education are all basic human rights that everyone needs, no matter the situation. It is my responsibility to do my job to the greatest ability that I can, and to assist those in need that ask or rely on such services on a daily basis.