Celebrating Black History: PCC alum Umoja Artego is always on the move
Story by James Hill. Submitted photos.
You don’t have to ask Umoja Artego twice about what he thinks of Portland Community College — he loves it. The alum is making waves in the local fitness scene and exemplifies how PCC can positively impact the community through education.
Graduating in 2014 with an associate degree in Alcohol and Drug Counseling, he laid the foundation for a journey of service, wellness and empowerment. Building on this base, Artego earned a master’s degree in Social Work and established a career spanning personal training, electrical work and community advocacy.
Umoja Artego (right) wants to have a healthy and prosperous community.
“I encourage the community to focus on their health, both physically and mentally,” Artego said. “I offer free training to youth clubs, as well as a monthly meeting where I rent out a space and work with groups of men.”
As the founder and operator of Mo Movements, Artego is reshaping health and fitness accessibility for his community. The mission is clear: to empower individuals—both physically and mentally—through innovative, inclusive and affordable fitness solutions. The recently launched Mo Movements App offers members access to a global fitness community featuring weekly expert-led workouts, personalized coaching, tailored meal plans and in-app support.
“As a Black-owned business owner and founder of Mo Movements, I’ve made it my mission to promote accessible health and fitness solutions to underserved communities,” he said.
Artego’s dedication to holistic health extends far beyond training. A self-described counselor to many clients, he offers guidance that transcends physical fitness, championing mental well-being as a cornerstone of health. He credits much of his success to the lessons learned at PCC, making his story a testament to the college’s impact.
“My time at PCC was instrumental in shaping my journey,” Artego said.
For more information on Mo Movements, visit https://momovements.passion.io