Cara Turano is passionate about entrepreneurship as a wealth-building avenue and a driver for community-building and has spent over 25 years in the startup and innovation space, starting her career at a tech startup that was ultimately acquired by a $12B global consultancy. In 2022, Cara joined the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network (OEN) as President and Executive Director at an inflection point for the organization. Under her tenure, OEN has built a statewide innovation infrastructure that supports entrepreneurs in every Oregon county who are seeking venture capital for high-growth, traded-sector businesses. She takes particular delight in finding and supporting rural innovation, and OEN now serves as the Regional Innovation Hub consultant for Business Oregon. OEN was recently awarded the SBA FAST SBIR/STTR matching technical assistance grant in partnership with Business Oregon, helping innovation-based founders access non-dilutive federal funding.

Outside of work, Cara serves on the Portland Public Schools Bond Accountability Committee, is an advisor to the Portland Seed Fund Intrepid Oregon Fund, and is a board member of the Oregon Business Academy. She is also a sustaining member of the Junior League of Portland and serves on the Governance Committee for the Association of Junior Leagues International. She was recognized as a PBJ 2025 Woman of Influence. Cara is a 35-time marathon finisher who also enjoys skiing, reading, traveling, and spending time with her husband, adult children, nieces, nephews, and senior chihuahua, Toby.