Title Americorps Alumni, Executive Director & Founder Company Big Citizen Hub Bio Mario spent over a decade in the national service movement with City Year. There, Mario developed and designed civic leadership programs for youth in three different markets and later supported high-needs schools to improve the urban high school graduation pipeline. In 2014 Mario conceived, designed and founded Big Citizen HUB, a little league for civic action. Big Citizen HUB helps young people bridge racial, social, and economic divides through youth empowerment and active participation. On Saturdays, between January and July, youth ages 11-26 form diverse teams, explore social justice issues, and complete team-based projects. Mario has been engaged in developing effective community programing while serving on multiple boards refining college access programs for girls is South Central LA and recreation programs in Pico-Union. Mario also serves on a steering committee working to create a coordinated cradle to college community effort in Boyle Heights and is currently leading a citywide effort to expand youth funding in Los Angeles.