Frank Velásquez Jr

Meet Frank Velásquez Jr.: Storyteller Extraordinaire, Social Justice Warrior, and Community Connector! With a heart as big as his vision, Frank dances on the frontlines of change, armed with an unshakeable belief in racial and gender equity. Whether he’s dropping knowledge on the conference stage or storytelling behind the scenes, Frank’s passion for social justice is as infectious as his smile. And he creatively connects our stories, preserving the unique flavor of each one like in a delicious bowl of gumbo.

His professional journey has included stops in the private sector such as Walt Disney World and MGM Grand Resort & Casino Las Vegas, as well as higher education (Pima Community College), the nonprofit sector (CEO of JobPath), consulting/contracting (YWCA of Southern Arizona, Sunnyside Foundation and Sol Casinos). Additionally, Frank brings local, regional, and national attention to the inequities that communities of color face through his speaking engagements and conference presentations in Southern Arizona and throughout the United States.

As Founder of 4 Da Hood and the mastermind behind the Ascending Leaders in Color leadership program, he's forging paths for Peeps of Color to lead with authenticity, courage, and joy! Because for Frank, advancing equity isn't just a job — it's a movement towards building generational wealth for communities of color to thrive!