OCTOBER 24TH, 2025

9:00AM – 11:00AM

ALEXIS LEE

ZOE RAITER

$35

We’re excited to welcome back BAGELS NOT BOURBON – where Portland comes to think out loud. Hosted by The Idea Factory in the Library, this Friday morning series brings together creative thinkers, civic leaders, and cultural changemakers for honest conversations over coffee and bagels. No slides, no scripts—just bold ideas and the people building what’s next for Portland. Next in the 2025 line up:

Alexis Lee, President of Business Operations for the Portland Thorns, and 

Zoe Raiter,Director of Community Impact

From the pitch to the community pitch-in, Alexis Lee and Zoe Raiter explore how the Portland Thorns are weaving women’s soccer into the civic fabric of our city.

Join Kimiko Matsuda for a candid conversation with Alexis and Zoe as we examine how sport can be more than competition—it can be a cultural cornerstone building civic identity and belonging in Portland.

From leadership and innovation to youth pathways and community impact, the conversation will spotlight how the Thorns are shaping not only the future of sport, but the future of Portland itself. What makes their vision unique—and what sets it apart from other clubs—will be a key throughline. The Thorns’ perspective on culture, community, and civic strategy feels like the perfect way to close out our fall lineup. Expect reflections on the role of women’s soccer in shaping Portland’s identity, the rewards and challenges of aligning business strategy with community vision, and how investing in young athletes today builds pathways for civic leaders tomorrow grounding Portland as the global epicenter of women’s sports.

We hope you will join us.

Tickets include admission to the event as well as a spread of fresh fruit, bagels & accompaniments, coffee, tea and juice.