Juan Aquino
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Community investment and corporate social responsibility executive with more than 20 years of experience across banking, public, philanthropy and nonprofit sectors, developing and implementing place-based investment strategies that enhance economic opportunities in underserved communities. Directed multimillion-dollar philanthropic portfolios and cross-sector partnerships to advance affordable housing, workforce development, financial wellbeing and small business growth. Built public-private partnerships that foster regional economic development and inclusive growth.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
West & Midwest Regional Lead
Capital One
Los Angeles, California
01.2016 - Current
- Lead regional community investment strategy across Western and Midwestern markets, directing philanthropic investments and partnerships that advance economic opportunity and strengthen communities.
- Lead strategy and deployment of over $10 million in annual philanthropic investments supporting nonprofit organizations and community development initiatives.
- Build strategic partnerships with nonprofit leaders, civic organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies to expand economic opportunity across regional markets.
- Design and implement public–private partnerships that align corporate resources with regional economic development priorities.
- Represent Capital One in civic forums, policy convenings, and philanthropic initiatives across regional markets.
- Advise senior leadership on risk mitigation and community investment strategies aligned with enterprise priorities.
Director of Programs
LIFT-LA
Los Angeles, California
01.2012 - 01.2016
- Directed program strategy and operations advancing financial empowerment and economic mobility for underserved individuals
- Designed and launched a financial coaching model that supported participants in improving financial stability and long term economic mobility.
- Managed program operations, staff, volunteers, and cross-sector partnerships with philanthropic organizations, universities, and local government agencies.
- Implemented program evaluation frameworks to measure outcomes and strengthen service delivery.
- Served as the organization’s external spokesperson, representing programs with community partners, funders, elected officials and media.
Program Officer II
First 5 LA
Los Angeles
01.2010 - 01.2012
- Managed grantmaking initiatives that enhanced early childhood development and family wellbeing across Los Angeles County.
- Oversaw multi-million dollar grant portfolio that strengthened nonprofit organizations serving children and families.
- Oversaw grant lifecycle including RFP development, funding recommendations, and contract negotiation.
- Cultivated partnerships with nonprofit leaders, academic institutions, and government agencies to enhance community impact.
- Integrated evaluation frameworks and data analysis to guide strategic funding decisions.
Associate
Emerging Markets Inc.
Los Angeles
01.2005 - 01.2010
- Advanced economic opportunity and neighborhood revitalization in underserved communities through place based community development initiatives.
- Led community investment strategies aligned with Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) priorities, strengthening partnerships between financial institutions and community organizations.
- Structured cross-sector partnerships with financial institutions, nonprofit organizations, and community stakeholders to advance neighborhood revitalization.
- Conducted market research and community needs assessments to inform investment strategies.
- Developed evaluation frameworks to measure community impact and program effectiveness.
Education
Master of Arts - Urban Planning & Economic Development
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA06-2006
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Spanish
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara, CA06-2001
Skills
Community Investment Strategy
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Strategy
Public–Private Partnerships
Corporate Responsibility & ESG
Affordable Housing & Economic Development
Strategic Grantmaking & Philanthropy
Government & Civic Engagement
Cross-Sector Partnership Development
Bilingual: Spanish (Native)
Boards & Community Leadership
- Advisory Board Member – UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs
- Board Member – California Association for Micro Enterprise Opportunity
- Advisory Board Member – Genesis LA
- Former Commissioner – City of Los Angeles Planning Commission
- Former Board Member – LIFT-LA
- Former Board Member – South Central Family Health Center
Honors and Publications
- Honors: Dean’s Honor Student Award, Academic Achievement Award, Alpha Kappa Delta Honors, Community Innovator Award – UCLA.
- Publication: Understanding Different Types of Low-Income Neighborhoods, Community Investments Journal.
- Alpha Kappa Delta Honors
- Community Innovator Award – UCLA
Timeline
West & Midwest Regional Lead
Capital One
01.2016 - Current
Director of Programs
LIFT-LA
01.2012 - 01.2016
Program Officer II
First 5 LA
01.2010 - 01.2012
Associate
Emerging Markets Inc.
01.2005 - 01.2010
Master of Arts - Urban Planning & Economic Development
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts - Sociology & Spanish
University of California, Santa Barbara