Muz Afzal manages the Small Grants Program at SE Uplift. He also is a community engagement liaison building networks with diverse communities throughout Portland. Muz works with the Portland United Against Coalition, a community initiated partnership of organizations, concerned communities, and the City of Portland, working with the Office of Community and Civic Life to build a rapid response system that combines reporting and tracking of hateful acts and providing the support and protection our communities need in this uncertain era. Another part of Muz’s multifaceted role is supporting several neighborhood associations.
Muz earned a BA in Philosophy with a Minor in Global Sustainability. He was a Public Relations Intern with city government in Sacramento, and worked in housing and support services for houseless community members in Portland before joining SE Uplift. He is motivated by a desire for a more just and kind world by raising awareness to disparities stemming from cultural, racial, economic and social injustices. Muz speaks Urdu, Punjabi, and Hindi.
Muz is the SEUL staff liaison to four Neighborhood Associations: Creston-Kenilworth, Eastmoreland, Montavilla, and SMILE (Sellwood-Moreland Improvement League).
Muz was born into a Muslim Pakistani family in California, and was raised on a small farm. He spends his time volunteering, fostering dogs, cooking and gardening.
