José Alfaro, a first-generation Salvadoran-American, has made history as the first Latino to head a national gun violence prevention organization, Community Justice. His leadership has broken barriers and brought a unique perspective to the forefront. Community Justice now stands as the sole national gun violence prevention organization led by a person of color, with a specific focus on communities of color. José’s work is deeply rooted in an anti-racist, community-centered approach integrating movement building, policy advocacy, and electoral campaigns.

Beginning his career as a community educator in Baltimore, José has consistently focused on empowering marginalized communities. He has worked extensively with adolescents in Washington, D.C., addressing youth advocacy, dismantling toxic masculinity, and promoting empowerment. His efforts in Connecticut include organizing parents for education reform and equitable school funding. José’s political work spans several successful campaigns at the state level, and his leadership in Latinx grassroots organizing has been recognized with his inclusion in Connecticut Magazine's 40 Under 40 Innovative Leaders list in 2017.