Danny is the Interim Executive Director for SE UPLift!
He has worked as an Interim Executive Director for many local nonprofits including the Dental Foundation of Oregon, Northwest Documentary, Enlightened Theatrics and Portland Columbia Symphony Orchestra. Danny was previously the Executive Director of the Columbia Theatre in Longview, WA., The Dance Place in Point Reyes, CA and Make-A-Circus in San Francisco. He was an actor and circus performer in Portland and San Francisco.
Danny and his wife Maria own Begin Pilates and Yoga at NE Fremont & 24th where he teaches classes including “Yoga for the Inflexible Guy” and “Meditation and Yoga for Chronic Pain.” He enjoys hiking, theatre, movies, meditation and playing the ukulele.
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.
Mireaya manages the Community Clean up Events Program at SE Uplift and is the Communications Manager. She has found true love in combining social justice, art and digital design, while working to keep neighborhoods clean. Mireaya also 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 Mireaya’s multifaceted role is supporting several neighborhood associations.
Mireaya has directed programming and been an instructor at a variety of social justice nonprofits and has a degree in Design. She has expertise in empowerment, community engagement and leadership development.
Mireaya is the SEUL staff liaison to four Neighborhood Associations: Foster-Powell, Kerns, South Tabor, and Woodstock.
Mireaya enjoys capacity building through volunteering and serving marginalized and oppressed communities, building relationships and creating new outreach strategies. She also loves 90’s jams, collecting rocks and zumba.
Leah is the SE Uplift Neighborhood Planning Program Manager, and serves as the main point of contact for community members wanting to communicate about Portland’s land use and transportation planning policy and processes. Leah supports SE Uplift’s Land Use and Transportation Committee which meets monthly and represents perspectives of volunteers from each of our twenty neighborhood associations as well as several business associations. Another part of Leah’s multifaceted role is supporting several neighborhood associations.
Leah holds a Master’s degree in Public Health and a Bachelor’s degree in City and Regional Planning, Minor in Economics. She has worked for state and local government, and is a LEED accredited Professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).
Leah is the SEUL staff liaison four Neighborhood Associations: Brentwood-Darlington, Reed, Buckman, and Mount Tabor.
On any given day, Leah can be found working in her yard or garden, relaxing on the porch with her 2 daughters, playing soccer, jogging, or walking through her Southeast Portland neighborhood.
Christina is the Operations and Events Manager at SE Uplift. She develops and improves SE Uplift operational systems, manages our website, and handles inquiries about conference room use. She plans and coordinates workshops, events, and trainings for members of SE Portland that address the mission of collaborating to build informed, inclusive, and participatory neighborhoods that support our social and ecological well-being. Another part of Christina’s multifaceted role is supporting several neighborhood associations and neighborhood association communication funds.
Christina has a BA in Philosophy and English with a minors in both Women and Gender Studies and Justice. She has been an Americorps volunteer working in solutions to homelessness. Christina parle le francais et Creole.
Christina is the SEUL staff liaison to three Neighborhood Associations: Mt. Scott-Arleta, Richmond, and Sunnyside.
Christina was born in Haiti and moved to New York when she was nine years old. She enjoys spending time with her friends, and watching the latest films in theaters!