Julián Castro is a Political Analyst and Guest Anchor on NBC/MSNBC as well as Chief Executive Officer of Latino Community Foundation (LCF). Beginning in 1989 with a goal of raising donations for Latino organizations and workplaces, LCF has become the largest Latino-serving foundation in the United States. The foundation has the most expansive network of Latino philanthropists in the United States, advocates for Latino involvement in politics, and provides investments for nonprofit organizations serving Latino communities.

Castro’s passion for public service and civil rights advocacy began in his childhood. Growing up in San Antonio, Castro was raised by his mother and grandmother. Castro’s mother was a civil rights activist, serving and advocating for her community. Witnessing his mother’s activism, Castro was inspired to serve and bring prosperity to his community. He attended Stanford University for his Bachelor of Arts Degree and then was accepted into Harvard University where he earned his law degree.

Completing his education, Castro served on the San Antonio City Council in 2001. In 2009, he was elected mayor of San Antonio and worked to revitalize the city’s economy. Proving a successful and dedicated leader, Castro was appointed United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development by President Barack Obama in 2014. Castro served in this role for the duration of the Obama administration.

In addition to his dedication to public service, Castro is a father to two children, a professor and lecturer at Harvard Law School, and a published author. Castro’s memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up From My American Dream, was published in 2018 and details his successes in life despite the social and economic barriers he encountered growing up in the United States.

Taking on the role of CEO for the LCF in 2024, Castro has clear goals for the foundation and future Latino support. In his announcement of this new role, Castro stated,“Like so many of you, I feel blessed to have had tremendous opportunities in life, and I want to continue making that kind of opportunity possible for others. LCF does that every single day. My heart is full as I begin this journey.”