11 Selma Urbina (she/her)

Selma Urbina is a 27-year-old Mexican American and a first-generation American, born in El Paso, Texas. In 2015, Urbina moved to Portland, Oregon to attend Portland State University. While attending the university, she earned a place on the Dean’s List in September 2015 and the President’s List in January 2018. Urbina began skateboarding as a child, then took it up again as an outlet during college. She heard about Skate Like a Girl (SLAG) from one of her supervisors. Following, Urbina attended a skate meet-up with a professional skateboarder and later submitted an application to become involved with the non-profit organization. Skate Like a Girl’s mission is to create an inclusive environment where individuals can come together to build confidence and leadership skills. All chapters strive to empower cis-women and Transgender skaters to become leaders who speak up for social equality.

SLAG is open to all genders, but strives to promote specific opportunities dedicated to girls, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Urbina became a part of the team as a skate instructor in August of 2023 and then took on the program manager role in January 2024, while still being an instructor. In her role, she is the second-hand person to the director, attending all events, which includes planning programs, attending city meetings and conducting outreach. Many steps are taken to ensure Skate Like a Girl is well-known within the community. Additionally, Urbina is in charge of volunteers of all ages. Urbina identifies as an artist and has been curating art for about ten years as of 2024. She now creates large-scale paintings and will sell prints if asked, but does not create art for profit.

Urbina utilizes her culture as a Mexican-American woman to bring diversity into SLAG, demonstrating how her demographic is present in the skate community. She is a representative of not only her cultural community, but also the skateboarding community, showing children that people who resemble them can skateboard as well. She aims to minimize the stigma around skateboarding, in order for parents see this activity has the ability to foster individual growth while building social connection. One significant role Urbina identifies herself with includes being a mother. Being a mother has changed the way she views and interacts with her community, whether it be with the children or adults who attend SLAG events and programs. She does all she can to show these individuals support and respect by giving each person what they need. Urbina understands how every individual has different wants and needs; one of the many facets which make her a Pacific Northwest badass.