Carlos Javier (he/him) grew up in Ponce, Puerto Rico and moved to Nashville, TN, where he completed a master’s degree in molecular physiology and biophysics at Vanderbilt University. His career spans over 22 years of service in community outreach, higher education, clinical training, public health administration, philanthropy and federal government. Carlos previously worked for 11 years at the Jefferson County Department of Health in Alabama. He was also a senior program officer for the Community Foundation of Greater Birmingham. In 2021, he joined ¡HICA! as director of programs and community partnerships and in 2024 transitioned to his current role as director of policy and strategic partnerships.