Carlos is Senior Program Coordinator for the VoiceWaves youth media program in Long Beach, where he works with local youth in using journalism to highlight the stories and issues that matter to them and their communities. Carlos grew up in North Long Beach and began his journalism career at Cal State Long Beach’s student newspaper, the Daily 49er. His experiences growing up in a historically underinvested community and becoming more politically aware have pushed him toward covering community health issues like housing and the environment.
Carlos joined VoiceWaves as a youth reporter during his final year at Cal State Long Beach, during which he was also managing editor of the Dig en Español Spanish-language magazine and editor of the Daily 49er’s first bilingual edition. Outside of yli, Carlos has also published work with local publications like FORTHE and organizes the mutual aid group called Norfside Long Beach Outreach. These experiences have moved Carlos into utilizing his experiences and skils to expand into community organizing, which he uses in yli programs such as the Youth Suicide Prevention Program