As Executive Director of Pacific Pride Foundation, Julio Roman has embedded racial equity into the organization’s strategy, services, and leadership, ensuring it is integral rather than separate. He has expanded culturally responsive behavioral health services for LGBTQ+ communities of color by growing bilingual counseling, enhancing telehealth, and removing barriers related to race, language, and immigration status. Julio has also strengthened HIV prevention efforts by targeting resources to Latino, Black, Indigenous, and other underserved communities, increasing access to testing, education, and harm reduction supplies. Beyond direct services, he champions shared leadership by diversifying decision-making, building partnerships with communities of color, and elevating diverse voices through advocacy and storytelling. As a gay Puerto Rican leader, author, and mentor, Julio uses his platform to challenge inequities and foster inclusion, striving to create spaces where people not only feel welcome but truly belong.
