We are thrilled to announce that we have an incredible new team member joining Oregon PSR. Matthew Moran (he/him) is our new Membership and Peace & Justice Program Manager. Matthew is bringing an array of experience to our organization and we can’t wait to see all he will do to grow the impact of our organization, build our membership and strengthen our Peace & Justice program.
To help you get to know Matthew a little bit better, we asked him some questions to learn a bit more about him.
Tell us a little bit about you! What’s your personal story and how did you get into advocacy/activism?
I grew up in Los Angeles California to Cuban and Mexican parents. I have been invested in politics and driven by a desire to make the world a better place since I was in middle school, where I wanted to fight the climate crisis. I went to grad school to get a Master of Public Administration to better understand policy advocacy and build a professional skill set to advance change. In my free time, I love to bake pastries and go on hikes.
What interests you about the Peace & Justice Program? How have you come to feel passionate about the issues this program works to address?
I am interested in the Peace & Justice Program because I am passionate about addressing racial equality, advocating for nonviolence, and advancing public health through multidimensional lenses. When I attained a BA in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at UC Santa Cruz, I learned from organizing and academic leaders who led me to integrate equity and justice into my career.
What are you most looking forward to in your role as the Membership Manager?
I am looking forward to reaching out to young professionals and health advocates to join our organization. In my previous role I was the elected Vice President of Equity and Inclusion for the graduate student government at the University of Washington, representing 16,000 graduate and professional students. I am looking forward to my experience building connections with graduate students in the health profession to help expand our membership.
What about Oregon PSR made you want to work here?
I was inspired to work at Oregon PSR from its history of success in their advocacy and supportive work environment. When thinking about the next step in my career, I valued this opportunity.
Why did you move to Portland/Oregon? What excites you the most about living here?
I moved to Portland to continue to be close to nature and enjoy the cooler weather. The move was an easier decision because I have friends out here to support me. I am excited to be a part of the city’s culture and build connections along the way!
You’ll be hearing from Matthew soon with ways to get involved with PJAT and opportunities for other volunteer opportunities including tabling events and more!