Monthly Interview With Our Oregon Regent

In June we announced interviews of our CDSNA officers and regents, so that our community could see the men and women behind the society. Thankfully, Miss Leslie Douglas courageously volunteered to be our first featured regent. Have a look below at our interview with our wonderful Oregon regent!

CDSNA: What is your current occupation?

LD: I work in the Talent Acquisition department of Human Resources at Kaiser Permanente Northwest in Portland, Oregon. Basically, recruitment.

CDSNA: How did you first hear of the Clan Douglas Society of North America?

LD: I first heard about CDSNA through attending the 1995 annual Portland Highland Games at Mt. Hood Community College in Portland, Oregon. I met then co-regents, Bob and Connie Edgar. We have been close friends ever since. Bob is a never-ending fount of Scottish knowledge.

CDSNA: Can you remember your first Scottish festival or Highland Games?

LD: I can, indeed! It was at the games mentioned above in 1995. I was filled with excitement of being around so many people from my heritage; it was like I found my family; I belonged! It started a hunger in me to search for my Scottish family/roots and learn about everything Scottish.

Leslie shows her Clan Douglas pride with an impressive clan crest tattoo.CDSNA: What is your favorite aspect of this Scottish community?

LD: My favorite aspect is the camaraderie. Every year, at every game, I get to see old friends and help new friends discover and develop a love of our Clan and their ancestry. So many are seeking to find out where they came from. I'm so glad our Clan has a geneology specialist to assist members in their search.

CDSNA: What made you decide to become the Oregon Regent?

LD: I was asked in 2000, by then Oregon Regent, Ralph Douglass, when he wanted to step down. We had become friends through 3-4 annual games. He thought I would be a good fit because of how much I loved my Douglass heritage and the games in general. I didn't know much, but I was willing to learn and so proud to be asked to represent the Clan at the games.

CDSNA: How far have you traced your Scottish roots?

LD: Back to Deacon William Douglas, born 1610, in Scotland. He married Ann Mattle of England and they came to New England with their children, Ann and Robert, in 1640, landing at Cape Ann.

CDSNA: Have you ever been to Scotland? If not, do you have plans to ever make a trip there?

LD: I'm embarrassed to say that I have not yet been to Scotland. But I do plan to go within the next five years!!! Raising a family and working full time has kept me from my lifelong dream. I can't wait!

CDSNA: Is there anything you would like to add to CDSNA or have a personal comment on your experience?

LD: I would say that being a Regent although enriching, is really better suited to someone who is retired. Retirees have more time to devote to attending the games and festivals. I have found it challenging to fit in 3 or 4 events a year due to family demands and a full-time work schedule. But I'm getting better with age! I plan to be with CDSNA for as long as they will have me! And if anyone out there is interested in learning the ropes of becoming a Regent, I welcome them to assist us at any of our Oregon events. Perhaps even consider becoming co-regent so we can be present at even more games/festivals across the State. We need more Oregon members!
Lastly, I would like to say that the correct spelling of Douglas is Douglass. : )

Thank you Miss Leslie Douglass!