Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons is a Chinese-American, cultural organizer, community minister, and musician. Born in Portland, adopted and raised in Clackamas County, Joseph has worked for democracy, human rights and systemic change that addresses the root causes of inequities for 25 years in Oregon, Colorado, Massachusetts and the Philippines. Currently he serves as Executive Director for the Asian Pacific American Network of Oregon, a community organization with over 2,000 constituents that works to advance racial equity in public policy. He is also affiliate community minister with the First Unitarian Church of Portland. Previously he served the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Northeast Coalition of Neighborhoods, Unitarian Universalist Association and Coalition for a Livable Future.
Joseph is passionate about his family and neighborhood, spending time outdoors with his partner and three school age children, and tending to a prolific plum tree. He is a past performing member of Portland Taiko, a multicultural trainer, and is particularly interested in the rising community of color electorate. Community board service includes Resolutions NW, OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, and the Oregon Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs. Joseph completed his Bachelor of Science at the University of Oregon and Masters in Divinity from Harvard University.
