Distinguished Professor, Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity Director, USC Dornsife Equity Research Institute

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Manuel Pastor Biography

Dr. Manuel Pastor is a Distinguished Professor of Sociology and American Studies & Ethnicity at the University of Southern California. He currently directs the Equity Research Institute at USC. Pastor holds an economics Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and is the inaugural holder of the Turpanjian Chair in Civil Society and Social Change at USC.

Pastor’s research has generally focused on issues of the economic, environmental and social conditions facing low-income urban communities – and the social movements seeking to change those realities. His most recent book, "Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles, and a Just Future" (co-authored with Chris Benner), delves into the pivotal role of California’s Lithium Valley in the “lithium gold rush” and its broader implications for climate challenges, justice, and democracy. In 2021, he published two new books, "Solidarity Economics: Why Mutuality and Movements Matter" (co-authored with Chris Benner) and "South Central Dreams: Finding Home and Building Community in South L.A." (co-authored with Pierrette Hondagneu-Sotelo). His previous 2018 book, "State of Resistance: What California’s Dizzying Descent and Remarkable Resurgence Means for America’s Future" was lauded in a New York Times review as “concise, clear and convincing.”

Pastor’s previous book, "Equity, Growth, and Community: What the Nation Can Learn from America’s Metro Areas," co-authored with Chris Benner (UC Press 2015), argues how inequality stunts economic growth and how bringing together equity and growth requires concerted local action. He also co-edited the book, "Unsettled Americans: Metropolitan Context and Civic Leadership for Immigrant Integration" with John Mollenkopf (Cornell University Press 2016).

His previous volumes include: "Just Growth: Inclusion and Prosperity in America’s Metropolitan Regions," co-authored with Chris Benner (Routledge 2012), "Uncommon Common Ground: Race and America’s Future" (W.W. Norton 2010; co-authored with Angela Glover Blackwell and Stewart Kwoh), "This Could Be the Start of Something Big: How Social Movements for Regional Equity are Transforming Metropolitan America" (Cornell University Press 2009; co-authored with Chris Benner and Martha Matsuoka); "Staircases or Treadmills: Labor Market Intermediaries and Economic Opportunity in a Changing Economy" (Russell Sage 2007, co-authored with Chris Benner and Laura Leete); and "Regions That Work: How Cities and Suburbs Can Grow Together" (University of Minnesota Press 2000; co-authored with Peter Dreier, Eugene Grigsby, and Marta Lopez-Garza).

Pastor was the founding director of the Center for Justice, Tolerance, and Community at the University of California, Santa Cruz. He was also the Director at the USC Program for Environmental and Regional Equity (PERE) and the USC Center for the Study of Immigrant Integration (CSII). He has received fellowships from the Danforth, Guggenheim, and Kellogg foundations, and grants from the Irvine Foundation, the Rockefeller Foundation, the Ford Foundation, the National Science Foundation, the Hewlett Foundation, the MacArthur Foundation, the California Environmental Protection Agency, the W.T. Grant Foundation, The California Endowment, the California Air Resources Board, and many others. Pastor speaks frequently on issues of demographic change, economic inequality, and community empowerment and has contributed opinion pieces to such outlets including the Los Angeles Times, the San Jose Mercury News, the San Francisco Chronicle, the Sacramento Bee, and The Hill, among many others.

In January 2002, he was awarded a Civic Entrepreneur of the Year award from the California Center for Regional Leadership. He has previously served as a Public Member of the Strategic Growth Council in California, as a member of the Commission on Regions appointed by California’s Speaker of the State Assembly, and as a member of the Regional Targets Advisory Committee for the California Air Resources Board. Pastor received the Liberty Hill Foundation’s Wally Marks Changemaker of the Year award for social justice research partnerships in 2012. He received the Champion for Equity Award from the Advancement Project in 2017 for his work with community-based organizations fighting for social change. In 2022, Pastor was elected to the American Academy for the Arts and Sciences for his work in Public Affairs and Public Policy. In recognition of his impactful work, in 2024, Pastor was named by the Los Angeles Times as one of the region’s most significant civic leaders in their inaugural series, L.A. Influential.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 04/29/2025.

Manuel Pastor Videos

A Message from Dr. Manuel Pastor | 2023 MPAC Convention

A Message from Dr. Manuel Pastor | 2023 MPAC Convention

Manuel Pastor – Solidarity Economics: Mutuality, Movements and Momentum | Bioneers

Manuel Pastor – Solidarity Economics: Mutuality, Movements and Momentum | Bioneers

Manuel Pastor: The Ongoing Struggle Against Racism | The Rise of the Latino Vote | PBS SoCal

Manuel Pastor: The Ongoing Struggle Against Racism | The Rise of the Latino Vote | PBS SoCal

  • How do I book Manuel Pastor to speak at my event?

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  • What are the speaker fees for Manuel Pastor

    Speaking fees for Manuel Pastor, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Manuel Pastor are $10,000 - $20,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Manuel Pastor, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Manuel Pastor speak about?

    Manuel Pastor is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Anti-Racism, Author, Civil Rights, Climate Change, DEI, Diversity & Inclusion, Economy, Environmental Science, Professors, Social Activism, Social Justice, Social Sciences
  • Where does Manuel Pastor travel from?

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Manuel Pastor is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Manuel Pastor for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Manuel Pastor generally travels from and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Lance Freeman, Julianne Malveaux, Allison Pugh, Boyah J. Farah and Bonny P. McClain. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Manuel Pastor for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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