Julio Ricardo Varela

Julio works closely with Free Press’ leadership to develop and execute strategies that advance our leadership in the field, with a close focus on rapid-response narrative building and resource generation. He is an award-winning journalist, nonprofit-media veteran and advocate for equitable storytelling. Previously, he served as president of the Pulitzer Prize-winning Futuro Media, where he led all editorial and business operations. He also founded the pioneering digital-media outlet Latino Rebels as well as The Latino Newsletter. A graduate of Harvard College, Julio has been writing impactful opinion pieces for the last 15 years. His work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, MSNBC, ESPN and other major outlets. He is a sought-after commentator on issues involving Latino communities, culture, politics and journalism. He calls the Boston area home and is an avid soccer player.