Manuel Machado (he/él) is the Natural Resources Workforce Program Coordinator with Oregon State University’s Extension Fire Program. He collaborates with community-based organizations and agencies across the Pacific Northwest to design culturally accessible, learner-centered educational programs for forest workers and their communities. He is committed to building solidarity across Oregon’s diverse forestry workforce to promote safety, sustainability, and equity.

Originally from San Diego and Tecate, Manuel grew up along the border towns of southern California’s fire-kissed lands. Before relocating to Southern Oregon, he spent eight years as an adult educator, teaching and learning in countries including China, Chile, and Mexico.