About Me

Rafael was born in Southern California to a teen mother and undocumented father. Growing up Rafael was passionate about two things: learning and lowriders! He grew up working at his grandfather’s grocery store, where he learned the importance of convening community and being a resource for others.

Rafael moved to San Diego in the late 90’s to attend San Diego State where he was actively involved on campus and in the community. It was in the Fall of 2000 that Rafael first volunteered in his community of Sherman Heights at the Sherman Heights Community Center where he is currently the Immediate Past President of the Board.

After college, Rafael has worked in real estate finance, as ab educator, and as a Realtor. He is Adjunct Faculty at Cuyamaca College and Mesa College where he teaches in the Real Estate Department.

Rafael is actively engaging in the housing industry as a former Board Member for the Pacific Southwest Association of Realtors and has been recognized as a two-time Realtor of the Year in 2017 and 2020,

Rafael served on the Inaugural Fair Housing Policy Committee for the National Association of Realtors and was recognized by the National Association of Realtors as a Fair Housing Champion in 2022. Rafael is also a member of NAHREP San Diego, where he is a former Chapter President and has advocated for sustainable homeownership.

Rafael served as a Commissioner for the City of San Diego for over 9 years, on the Citizens’ Equal Opportunity Commission, and currently serves on the San Diego Regional Airport Authority Board.