The office supports Oregon’s Commissions on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, Black Affairs, Hispanic Affairs and the Commission for Women. It offers community-based applied policy research; advises the governor, Legislature and departmental leadership on policies affecting women and communities of color; grow leadership from their communities within government; and build success for Asian and Pacific Islander, Black, and Hispanic Oregonians and women in Oregon. 

Each commission is composed of 11 members, nine of whom are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate to serve four-year terms. The president of the Senate and the speaker of the House each also appoint a member to serve a two-year term.​