Julio Ricardo Varela

Julio leads Free Press’ marketing and communications team, driving narrative strategies that amplify the organization’s vision and mission. 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.