FORA.tv Speaker - Manuel Pastor

Dr. Manuel Pastor is Professor of Geography and American Studies and Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. Founding director of the Center for Justice, Tolerance, and Community at the University of California, Santa Cruz, Pastor currently directs the Program for Environmental and Regional Equity at USC's Center for Sustainable Cities and is co-director of USC's Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration.

An economist by training, he works closely with community organizations, and is widely recognized for bridging the divide between academia and activism. He speaks and writes frequently on issues of demographic change, economic inequality, and community empowerment. He served as a member of the Commission on Regions appointed by California's Speaker of the State Assembly, and in 2002 was awarded a Civic Entrepreneur of the Year award from the California Center for Regional Leadership.

Pastor has received fellowships and grants from many major foundations, including Guggenheim, Kellogg, Ford, and the National Science Foundation.