Rafael Torres

As peer group specialist, Rafael Torres (he, him, his) manages the operation and growth of PEAK’s peer groups, caucuses, affinity groups, and communities of practice. He is the primary liaison between the national association and the affinity groups and caucuses, collaborating with the peer group volunteer leaders to effectively build and maintain peer group sustainability and engagement.

Rafael is thrilled to bring his varied philanthropic experience and passion to support diverse communities to his role. He has over 15 years’ experience in grantmaking and nonprofit program management, largely focusing on youth and education, social justice, and culture at organizations like Arcus Foundation and Schott Foundation for Public Education. Most recently, he served as program manager at National Recreation and Park Association, supporting the organization’s youth mentoring and health and wellness initiatives and as manager of grants and arts education at United Arts of Central Florida, where he led a portfolio of grant programs for the Central Florida region. He holds a bachelor of fine arts degree in sculpture from Pratt Institute and a master of arts degree in nonprofit arts administration from New York University. In 2020, he was selected to take part in the American Express Leadership Academy as a resilient changemaker.