This month, we highlight the remarkable journey and contributions of Frederique Lavios, the current Chairperson of the Palisades Neighborhood Association (PNA).
Frederique grew up in Menlo Park, California, then it was a small community with a quaint downtown, open spaces, and orchards. As the second youngest of five children with three sisters and a brother, her childhood was filled with family camping trips and frequent visits to France every four years to connect with her parents’ families. With 86 first cousins in France, family gatherings were large and joyous, often filled with adventures exploring the French countryside. Even as an adult, Frederique continues to visit France, focusing on different regions each trip to reconnect with relatives and friends. Her favorite French foods include crepes and croissants, reminders of her deep connection to her heritage.
Frederique pursued her passion for design by studying architecture in college, eventually earning her architecture license. After acting as project manager and lead architect for other architecture firms, she launched her own firm in the Bay Area. After marrying, she and her husband sought a more family-friendly area and discovered Lake Oswego, drawn by its charm, family friendliness and proximity to Portland.
While raising two children in Lake Oswego, Frederique shifted her career focus to have more family time. She transitioned into digital marketing and this experience deepened her local connections and honed her project management skills, which became a natural bridge to her volunteer work with the PNA.
Her hobbies reflect her love for nature and sustainability, including organic gardening, canning, preserving and hiking. Her home garden boasts a variety of fruits and vegetables, from apples and pears to zucchinis and tomatoes. Tryon Creek State Park is her favorite hiking spot, and she is often seen walking the neighborhood, chatting with her neighbors.
Frederique’s community involvement began over 15 years ago, driven by a commitment to improving communication and emergency preparedness in her neighborhood. She built the original PNA website, developed the newsletter and developed the subscription base, setting the foundation for better neighborhood engagement. Over the past two years, she has served as Chairperson of the PNA Board, focusing on fostering inclusivity, finding common ground, and amplifying the collective voice of the community to drive meaningful change and as a liaison to the City.
As Frederique prepares to step down as Chairperson in April 2025, she looks forward to passing the role to a new leader while continuing her work as a dedicated member of the PNA Board. Her legacy of service, vision, and dedication has left an indelible mark on the Palisades community, inspiring others to engage and contribute to a stronger, more connected neighborhood.
