Jose Juan Lara Jr.
Austin,TX
Summary
Strategic program leader with over 20 years of experience in designing and implementing systems-level solutions across nonprofit, public safety, and community-based sectors. Demonstrated expertise in translating complex challenges into actionable strategies that enhance access to services, bolster organizational capacity, and improve outcomes for underserved communities. Comprehensive understanding of the impacts of economic instability, healthcare access, and systemic barriers on individuals and families, cultivated through direct service roles, statewide leadership positions, and national capacity-building initiatives. Proven track record of fostering cross-sector collaboration to strengthen coordinated responses and optimize system effectiveness in serving communities.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Systems & Advocacy Senior Program Manager
Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV)
02.2023 - Current
- Design and implement strategies that support organizations in developing structured, sustainable approaches to service delivery and communication access.
- Provide technical assistance to federally funded and community-based organizations to improve policies, procedures, and frontline practices.
- Translate complex regulatory and operational requirements into clear, actionable guidance for diverse audiences.
- Facilitate collaboration across advocacy, legal, and system partners to strengthen coordinated responses.
- Develop training curricula, tools, and resources that support implementation at scale.
- Deliver national trainings and presentations to multidisciplinary audiences, building capacity across sectors.
- Integrate field-based insight into how economic instability and system access barriers impact service delivery across interconnected systems.
Senior Manager, Community & Capacity Building
Esperanza United (formerly Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network)
12.2021 - 01.2023
- Led national capacity-building efforts supporting community-based organizations serving underserved populations.
- Directed training and technical assistance initiatives to strengthen organizational infrastructure and service delivery.
- Supported program development and implementation across multiple organizations, translating strategy into operational practice.
- Built partnerships with national and community stakeholders to improve coordination and expand reach.
Project Manager
Esperanza United
06.2018 - 12.2021
- Managed projects focused on improving organizational capacity and access to services.
- Coordinated cross-functional efforts to support implementation and improve service delivery outcomes.
- Provided training and guidance to organizations navigating complex service environments.
Project Coordinator
Esperanza United
08.2014 - 06.2018
- Managed and coordinated national training and technical assistance initiatives funded through federal grants.
- Identified gaps and emerging practices to inform program design and resource development.
- Served as liaison to federal program staff and national partners, supporting grant implementation and reporting.
- Developed and delivered webinars, trainings, and national institute content based on field needs.
- Built partnerships with multidisciplinary teams, including court systems and community-based organizations.
Director of Advocacy & Training
Texas Advocacy Project
01.2008 - 01.2014
- Led statewide training and advocacy initiatives supporting victims navigating legal systems.
- Developed and delivered training programs for advocates, law enforcement, and system partners.
- Built and maintained partnerships with criminal justice agencies and community organizations across Texas.
- Strengthened organizational practices by aligning advocacy services with legal system processes.
Director of Legal Services
Family Crisis Center, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2007
- Directed legal advocacy services supporting individuals navigating complex legal systems.
- Supervised staff and coordinated service delivery across programs.
- Built partnerships with legal and law enforcement agencies to improve access to legal resources.
- Developed training and educational initiatives to strengthen staff and community response.
Education
Doctor of Human Services (DHS) - Leadership and Organizational Management
Capella University
01-2024
Master of Science (MS) - Public Safety – Criminal Justice
Capella University
01-2008
Master of Arts (MAIS) - Sociology
University of Texas at Brownsville
01-2005
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Psychology
University of Texas at Brownsville
01-2001
Associate of Arts (AA) - Social Work
University of Texas at Brownsville
01-2000
Skills
- Program development and scaling
- Interdisciplinary systems leadership
- Project management expertise
- Data-driven decision making
- Stakeholder engagement
- National technical assistance experience
- Policy and procedure formulation
- Training design and facilitation
- Effective communication
- Systems Understanding of Health, Economic Stability, and Service Access
- Bilingual (Spanish)
- National-level training and public speaking
- Grant-funded program implementation and reporting
Websites
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
SELECTED IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
- Provided training and technical assistance to hundreds of organizations nationwide, strengthening service delivery across advocacy, legal, and community-based systems.
- Designed and delivered national training initiatives and conference presentations, reaching thousands of professionals across victim services, courts, and nonprofit organizations.
- Developed practical tools, frameworks, and guidance used by organizations to improve service delivery and align policies with frontline practice.
- Supported implementation of federally funded initiatives, translating grant requirements into actionable strategies and operational practices.
- Built and sustained cross-sector partnerships with government agencies, nonprofits, and national technical assistance providers to improve coordination and outcomes.
- Supported organizations serving individuals and families impacted by economic instability and limited access to healthcare, strengthening service delivery across interconnected systems.
- Brought field-informed insight into how system barriers affect access to safety, stability, and well-being, informing training, technical assistance, and program development efforts.
ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Adjunct Professor, St. Edward’s University (2015–2016)
- National Trainer, Presenter, and Curriculum Developer
- Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center
- Texas Advanced Academy for Victim Assistance
Timeline
Systems & Advocacy Senior Program Manager
Asian Pacific Institute on Gender-Based Violence (API-GBV)
02.2023 - Current
Senior Manager, Community & Capacity Building
Esperanza United (formerly Casa de Esperanza: National Latin@ Network)
12.2021 - 01.2023
Project Manager
Esperanza United
06.2018 - 12.2021
Project Coordinator
Esperanza United
08.2014 - 06.2018
Director of Advocacy & Training
Texas Advocacy Project
01.2008 - 01.2014
Director of Legal Services
Family Crisis Center, Inc.
01.2002 - 01.2007
Master of Science (MS) - Public Safety – Criminal Justice
Capella University
Master of Arts (MAIS) - Sociology
University of Texas at Brownsville
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Psychology
University of Texas at Brownsville
Associate of Arts (AA) - Social Work
University of Texas at Brownsville
Doctor of Human Services (DHS) - Leadership and Organizational Management
Capella University