Since 1968 the SE Uplift Neighborhood Coalition, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and coalition of 20 Portland neighborhoods, has provided critical staff and organizational support to thousands of neighborhood association volunteers fostering safe, vibrant and diverse neighborhoods within our coalition. SE Uplift empowers citizens to effectively resolve challenges and enhance communities through a variety of skill-building techniques and resources.
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 and equity.
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. 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 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. 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: Brentwood-Darlington, Foster-Powell, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Reed, South Tabor, and Sunnyside.
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: Brooklyn, Buckman, Creston-Kenilworth, Kerns, North Tabor, Woodstock.
Nanci is the Executive Director for SE Uplift.