Latino Professionals founder, Rafael Magaña, has been working to advance gender equality on multiple fronts. Not only has he been a vocal advocate against sexual exploitation and trafficking — issues that disproportionately affect women and young girls, according to the United Nations (UN) — he also uses his voice to bring attention to the gender diversity in boardrooms movement. 

Early in high school and college he became involved with charity organizations on campus where he enjoyed giving back. The experience proved to be the start of a career in philanthropy.

He studied at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. He received his certification on Human Rights from the Pan American Health Organization, part of the United Nations system, serving as the Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization. 

Rafael is the Senior Director of Development at Emphysema Foundation of America and Breathe Southern California. Two organizations at the forefront of lung health and clean air. Previously, he was the Senior Director of Development at Momentum, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing lifespan services to children and adults with disabilities and medical conditions.

Most recently, Rafael was elected and appointed to the board of trustees of the Hollywood Schoolhouse for the next three years. Where he serves as the Chair of the Development Committee under the leadership of Ilise Faye, Head of School and John Sonego, Associate Dean for External Affairs at UCLA School of Law.

Mr. Magaña’s most important association is his involvement in Latina Professionals™,  Latino Professionals™ and Latinx Professionals™ for which he is the Founder and serves as a Board Director. He enjoys writing about topics related to management, leadership, and careers. 

Today, he serves as a mentor to many rising women who are advancing their professional careers towards the C-suite.