Matchu feels fortunate to work with the community in advancing the SE Uplift mission of collaborating to build informed, inclusive, and participatory neighborhoods that support our social and ecological well-being. He looks forward to assisting neighborhood and partnering with the community in building capacity in building equity in their programs for civic engagement.
Matchu holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a focus on Women, Gender, and Sexuality studies and Criminal Justice. You may know Matchu from the SE Uplift Board of Directors where he was recently Vice Chair. He brings a wealth of community engagement to SE Uplift having previously served as Chair of Mt. Scott Arleta Neighborhood Association, BikeLoud Memorial Events Coordinator, Arleta Triangle Project Planning Committee, South East in Active Motion Co-Chair, and has volunteered with many groups including Urban Gleaners, Sisters of the Road, SOLVE, Transition Projects, Food Not Bombs, Humane Society of SW Washington, and more.
On his days off he dreams of the next bikepacking (biking + camping) trip. Last year he bikepacked the San Juan Islands and campgrounds in the Cascades. When in town he enjoys cycling, seeing movies on the big screen at the historic Hollywood Theatre, and enjoying food at Portland Mercado with friends.
Matchu is the SE Uplift Liaison for the following neighborhoods: Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Reed, South Tabor, and Sunnyside.
Paola is the Communications & Outreach Manager for SE Uplift. Paola’s professional background lies in design and community advocacy. She has worked with non-profits from Boston, MA to the Portland metro area, to campaign for equity and inclusivity.
Paola received a BFA in Illustration under Communication Design. She looks to merge illustration and design with community organizing to bring SE neighbors together.
On her free time, Paola is painting ethereal, powerful women or putting on a 90s R&B concert for her small dog.
Paola is the SE Uplift Liaison for the following neighborhoods: Brentwood-Darlington, Creston-Kenilworth, Laurelhurst, Mt. Tabor, and Sellwood-Moreland.
Alez is the Partnerships and Grantmaking Programs Manager for SE Uplift. As an active listener, creative thinker and problem solver, Alex loves to brainstorm and collaborate with others in order to actualize visions of a more connected and active SE community. He is looking forward to fostering new relationships and nurturing established ones as well as supporting new developments within the neighborhoods of SE Portland.
Alex is the SE Uplift Liaison for the following neighborhoods: Ardenwald-Johnson Creek, Brooklyn, Buckman, Kerns, Montavilla, North Tabor, Woodstock.
Nanci is the Executive Director for SE Uplift.