Dr. Matthew Soto is an educator, scholar, storyteller, and DEI strategist, based out of Los Angeles. He currently serves as the inaugural Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at PATH, the largest non-profit homeless services agency in California. In this role, Matt leads the development and implementation of the organization's equity and inclusion strategy. With roots in academia, Matthew has been a DEI strategist across different industries including: higher education, media & technology and non-profit sectors. Most recently, Matthew worked as a DEI leader at BuzzFeed, Inc. & Complex Networks to help build their collective DEI strategy, employee resource groups and training and development programs. Matthew also currently serves on the Board of Directors for Los Angeles Room and Board, an LA-based organization with the mission of ending homelessness and hunger for college students and transitional-aged youth.

 

Matthew is no stranger to WACUHO. An active member of WACUHO from 2012-2020, Matthew led multiple committees, served twice on the Executive Committee, and received both the WACUHO Volunteer of the Year and JB Brock Spirit of WACUHO Awards.

 

Matthew received his bachelor's degree in Communication and Ethnic Studies from Cal Lutheran University, his master's degree in Higher Education Administration from Cal State, Northridge, and his Doctorate of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy from Cal State, Northridge. Matthew’s doctoral research was focused on the resilience and joy of queer people of color in predominantly white and heteronormative spaces. In his spare time, Matthew enjoys local coffee shops, street tacos, and spending time with his family and two dogs, Murphy and Pico.