CHRISTINE SMITH

Nominated by New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society

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Christine Smith brings Swedish tradition to life with infectious joy, generosity, and heartfelt leadership. If you’ve danced around a Midsummer pole in Portland or Astoria, you’ve likely followed her lead — hopping like frogs, laughing with strangers, and feeling instantly part of something bigger. Christine has a gift for bringing people together, and year after year she’s helped make Midsummer a celebration that feels both timeless and incredibly fun.

Since 2011, she’s poured her heart into leading the Vasa Rose Buds, guiding young dancers as they share Swedish culture at festivals, holiday events, and community gatherings. Under her leadership, the group has flourished. She’s given her dancers unforgettable experiences, including a trip to Sweden for a true Midsummer celebration — the kind of memory that stays with someone for life.

Christine’s love for tradition spans all ages. She helps create magical Midsummer moments for residents at The Springs at Tanasbourne, leads arts and crafts at Trollbacken Swedish Camp, and serves on the Official Oregon Lucia Committee. Whether she’s helping campers bake lussekatter or teaching seniors how to make flower crowns, she makes everyone feel included and connected.

NILS JENSEN

Nominated by The Danish Brotherhood in America, Lodge #167 and the Danish Sisterhood of America, Mt. Hood Lodge #81

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Nils Jensen has spent more than 35 years strengthening the Northwest Danish Association (NWDA) and the wider Scandinavian community with unwavering dedication, warmth, and thoughtful leadership. His service to NWDA is especially profound: he helped secure the Barbur Boulevard meeting space, later supported the transition to Nordic Northwest as a new home for members, and worked diligently to establish a broad range of programs that continue to enrich the Danish community in the Greater Portland area. His decades of steady, compassionate service were rightly honored with NWDA’s Wall of Honor award.

Nils’s volunteerism extends across many Scandinavian organizations. He has served on the boards of Nordic Northwest, NWDA, and the Museum of Danish America, and he remains an active member of the Danish Brotherhood and Danish Sisterhood. He is known for stepping up wherever he’s needed—offering talks at Menucha, supporting Lillejuleaften celebrations for many years, and giving thoughtful introductions at cultural events, including a special showing of The Danish Solution.

In addition to his Scandinavian service, Nils contributes generously to his southwest Portland community through HOA leadership and support of food banks, hospitals, and other local organizations.

Quietly steadfast yet always ready to step forward, Nils embodies the service, kindness, and cultural pride that make our Scandinavian community thrive.

SUSAN SCHLESINGER

Nominated by The Fogelbo Heritage Committee

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Susan has a magical way of making people feel welcome and connected, whether she’s digging in the garden, leading a tour, or rallying volunteers with her signature warmth.

A proud second-generation Nordic Northwest member and lifelong steward of her Swedish and Norwegian roots, Susan has been showing up for this community since the 1990s — first running the beloved Pippi Longstocking kids’ crafts at ScanFair and later returning to Portland with even deeper purpose. From Forest Troll gardening mornings to coordinating weekly Troll lunches, she brings people together with ease and enthusiasm.

As Chair of the Fogelbo Heritage Committee, Susan has elevated the docent program into something truly special, with tours that regularly sell out and leave guests inspired. Under her guidance, Fogelbo’s tours have flourished into sought-after, story-filled experiences that consistently inspire visitors.

But Susan’s service stretches far outside NNW as well. After becoming a certified Master Gardener in Illinois, she poured countless volunteer hours into community gardens, educational programs, and helping residents grow food and confidence. Her passion for helping others has fueled over $21,000 in plant-sale fundraising for organizations such as Markham Elementary, the Oregon Food Bank, Neighborhood House, and Stand With Ukraine. She continues to share her gardening expertise with public housing communities and teaches hands-on classes for both children and adults.

Susan embodies kindness, leadership, and a joyful dedication to Nordic heritage. She is, without question, a bright and beloved force within our community.