It’s often said “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.” For Liane Cabot, that couldn’t be more true. She’s a remarkable woman possessing an innate ability to reach outward and make things go while bringing people together. She’s also someone who steps up, whether to lead the way or support others, to literally get the food on the table when an extra hand is needed.

Liane was born in Whittier, California, to a hard-working father who sold large trucks and an entrepreneurial mom who loved helping others in need. Her mom was a huge supporter of the arts and collected artwork throughout her life. Liane has continued this passion in her own life. Additionally, since her father’s work required the family to frequently move, Liane, the oldest of three, learned how to adapt and make herself useful in new communities and schools.

A good student and avid writer, Liane had a variety of jobs ranging from babysitting and house cleaning to working in catering and restaurants, and earned a BA in journalism from San Jose State University in 1983. Despite her initial interest in the performing arts and speech, a teacher discouraged her from that career, so she took a job as an executive administrator for the head of a publishing company. She then took a position that spanned five states selling profile pieces to CEOs and investor relations managers. Despite her fears, she ended up loving the travel and the opportunity to meet new people and remained there for five years. During this period, she was invited to serve as President of the Board of the Investor Relations Society of America in San Francisco at age 28. The horrific events and aftermath of the 1989 Bay Area earthquake forced her to rethink life and prompted her to move to Seattle, where she took a job in PR and investor relations for the Fluke Corporation.

Liane met her husband Richard on a blind date in 1993. He was an electrical engineer who lived in Lake Oswego and came from a large Italian family. Despite their different backgrounds, the match proved solid. Liane moved to Lake Oswego in 1994 and quickly got involved in the local community, first joining the Junior Women’s Club.

Blessed with two healthy children, Jackson and Rachel, she transitioned to becoming a stay-at-home mom. But her passion for the arts and supporting others kept her busy outside the home. One of her most heartfelt projects has been volunteering at domestic abuse shelters for men and women. She also started a parent-run program for elementary-age children called Eco-Think that taught about the environment and food sources, and worked as a volunteer with the Art Literacy program, as well as volunteering as a girl scout leader for seven years. As a board member of the Arts Council, her early work led to today’s amazing Gallery Without Walls program and the group becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

After she and her husband became benefactors, Liane was asked to join the Board of Trustees of the Portland Art Museum. In addition, Liane organized and led small tours of Tuscany, Italy in 2015 and 2016 that focused on supporting local women artisans, women-owned wineries, cooking schools and mosaic workers.

Liane first met Shari, the owner of Nicoletta’s, while working together at the Arts Council. When Shari decided to open her restaurant, she asked Liane to join. Initially, Liane helped where she was needed, seating people, taking orders and helping in the kitchen. Today, she continues her dedication to the restaurant by managing the catering department and developing special events as well as the live music program.