Rafael Álvarez Febo serves as Vice President of Economic Development and Social Impact at Esperanza. In this role, he oversees initiatives that advance community development, neighborhood investment, and economic opportunity across the communities Esperanza serves. His work focuses on strengthening neighborhood commercial corridors, supporting small businesses, advancing environmental initiatives, and guiding community-driven planning that promotes long-term economic growth and stability.

Prior to joining Esperanza, Rafael served in the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on LGBTQ Affairs, where he worked to strengthen engagement between state government and LGBTQ communities across the Commonwealth. In this role, he helped advance policies and initiatives focused on equity, inclusion, and access to resources for underserved communities.

Before serving in the Governor’s Office, Rafael served as Community and Economic Development Director in the Office of Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez. In that position, he managed initiatives focused on neighborhood revitalization, zoning and land use planning, greening projects, and strategic public investment in community infrastructure.

Earlier in his career, Rafael worked at Norris Square Neighborhood Project as Program Director of Las Parcelas, the organization’s Puerto Rican urban gardens. In this role, he worked with community members, youth, and volunteers to develop programs that promoted cultural preservation, community empowerment, urban agriculture, and healthy living. He also worked as a youth organizer with Youth United for Change and with the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in its Parks and Vacant Land programs, supporting neighborhood greening efforts and community stewardship initiatives.

Rafael has served as a board member of the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF) and as President of the Board of Directors of Galaei. He has also served on the endorsement committee for the Liberty City LGBT Democratic Club.

Rafael is deeply committed to advancing economic opportunity, social justice, and community empowerment. His work centers on strengthening neighborhood institutions, expanding access to resources, and supporting the long-term growth and leadership of Latino communities.