Carlos is a seasoned fund development professional and a dedicated advocate for racial equity, known for his expertise in fostering inclusive philanthropy and building sustainable fundraising practices. His career has centered on aligning values and interests between people and the causes they care about. He excels at establishing long-term fundraising strategies within organizations and is a leader in the sector’s efforts to make the fundraising profession more diverse and inclusive.He brings his strengths in relationship management, communication, and analysis to his role as Director of Individual Giving at the Latino Policy Forum. Joining the Forum in 2024 as the first to hold this role, Carlos is spearheading efforts to build a comprehensive fundraising model, a strategic initiative to bolster the organization’s mission and long-term impact. By managing and enhancing individual giving through innovative fundraising campaigns and donor engagement opportunities, Carlos is expanding the Forum’s reach to advance equity, justice, and economic prosperity for the Latine community.Carlos’s nonprofit journey began at DePaul University, where nonprofit internships ignited his passion for social impact. With extensive experience in the field, he earned the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2022, demonstrating his commitment to excellence and ethical fundraising. His dedication extends to empowering future philanthropic leaders and advancing the profession.Deeply involved with the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) since 2012, Carlos joined the AFP Chicago Board in 2019, launching the Latinx Affinity Group in 2020 to foster representation and collaboration among Latine fundraisers. As AFP Chicago’s President in 2024, he champions inclusion, diversity, equity, and access (IDEA) principles, shaping the sector’s future and fostering a vibrant professional community.Raised on Chicago’s southwest side, Carlos draws strength from his community’s resilience and diversity, fueling his commitment to equity. In his free time, he enjoys traveling and hiking, finding inspiration in new landscapes and cultures. Through his leadership and advocacy, Carlos works to create a nonprofit sector where diverse voices drive meaningful social change, using fundraising and philanthropy as catalysts for equity and innovation.