Events for Thursday January 29, 2026 › Neighborhood Associations ›

Nanci Champlin

Nanci is the Executive Director for SE Uplift.

“It always seems impossible until it’s done.” -Nelson Mandela

Nanci Champlin has a passion for social justice, civic engagement and conservation with nearly thirty years’ experience in scaling up organizations at the local, regional and national level. She leaned early in her career as a grassroots organizer that a key to success comes from authenticity, trust and active listening. These values have guided her approach to work ever since.

In her professional roles, Nanci has led outreach at Oregon Wild; communications and operations at the Funders Committee for Civic Participation; and most recently was Director of Development at Western State Center, a movement building and leadership development organization helping to build a 21st century civil rights movement.

Nanci has lived in SE Portland for 32 years where she has devoted countess hours to volunteer-driven conservation initiatives through her past role on a neighborhood association board. She currently serves as the fundraising chair for Friends of Moreland Woods. When not working or volunteering she can be found creating pollinator habitat in her backyard or hiking with her family and dog in Portland’s parks.

Nanci is excited to help lead SE Uplift in building a vision and strategy that empowers everyone in our community to learn, connect and engage in civic opportunities to build a future where every person can thrive.

Contact Nanci to explore partnerships, to bring forward an advocacy request to our board, to learn more about any of our community committees, or if you’re a neighborhood association in need of an insurance certificate.

Nanci is the liaison to the following neighborhood associations: Laurelhurst, Madison South, Montavilla, Mt. Scott-Arleta, Richmond.

Diane Odeh

Diane is the Fiscal Sponsorship Program Manager for SE Uplift. She is passionate about public service work because she has experienced the positive impact community organizations can have first-hand.

Diane is currently working on a dissertation related to civic engagement at Portland State University. She has worked with various nonprofit organizations at the local, state, federal, and international level. As a volunteer, Diane serves as President of the Oregon Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, a board member for College Housing Northwest, and as a member of the Multnomah County Auditor’s Community Advisory Committee. Diane enjoys using her knowledge and experience to help communities thrive in promotion of the public good.

In her free time, Diane enjoys co-hosting a movie podcast, attending comedy shows, and spending time with her cat.

Contact Diane to learn if fiscal sponsorship is right for your organization or for all things related to managing your nonprofit! If you’re already fiscally sponsored by Southeast Uplift, contact me about your funds held with us, how to make the most of your fiscal sponsorship.

Diane is the liaison for the following neighborhood associations: Creston-Kenilworth, Mt. Tabor and Sunnyside.

Operations

Matchu Williams

Matchu, our Neighborhood Planning Program Manager, focuses on land use and transportation initiatives. He partners with community groups to build capacity and achieve equitable outcomes.

With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Matchu has extensive experience in grassroots community engagement. He previously served as Vice Chair to the SE Uplift Board of Directors and Chair to the Mt. Scott – Arleta Neighborhood Association Board of Directors, coordinated memorial events for traffic victims, and volunteers with numerous community groups.

Contact Matchu about land use and transportation issues, public notices to the district coalition office, advocacy support, and how to connect with your neighborhood on livability concerns.

Matchu is the liaison to the following neighborhood associations: Brentwood-Darlington, Foster-Powell, Rose City Park, Roseway and South Tabor.