Rafael Collazo
National Deputy Director
Rafael Collazo is a Latino political and media activist who has dedicated his career to helping the Hispanic community raise its collective voice in the electoral process and civic life.
After being an active member of ASPIRA as a youth activist, Rafael was a co-founder and CEO of The Latino Online News Network (LATNN). LATNN received critical acclaim for its coverage of the 2000 Democratic and Republican National Conventions.
Rafael Collazo then became the Northeast Regional Director the United States Hispanic Institute. In that position, Rafael organized hundreds of voter registration projects and trained thousands of activists, students and elected officials to develop their leadership potential.
In 2004, Rafael ran against long odds to narrowly lose to a 38 year incumbent for a seat in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Also in 2006, Rafael joined Democracia U.S.A. as a Pennsylvania State Director and was promoted to National Field Director. Now in 2008 as National Deputy Director, Rafael oversees all national operations.
From organizing a congressional campaign in Nevada, to working with immigrant rights leaders in Florida to fighting for fair redistricting in New Jersey, Rafael has worked with an impressive list of Hispanic leaders across the country. This second generation activist brings a unique perspective to Latino issues and life as a community organizer, trainer, political junkie, amateur Hispanic historian, aspiring humorist, sports and pop culture enthusiast and pretty good Salsa dancer all into one.
