BRAULIO COLÓN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, FLORIDA COLLEGE ACCESS NEWORK, TAMPA

Florida College Access Network is a privately funded statewide organization advancing postsecondary education attainment for residents through research, policy advocacy and community collaboration. FCAN supports 18 local cross-sector coalitions throughout the state, working together to improve career readiness through various initiatives. FCAN has 10 employees and multiple consultants driving its work. Colón co-founded the organization in 2012 and returned to FCAN in 2023 after nearly a decade in philanthropy.

EDUCATION: University of South Florida (BA, MPA)

FIRST JOB: Working the food cart kitchen at Universal Studios.

DREAM ALTERNATE CAREER: I would choose to be a neurologist. I’m fascinated by the brain, its functions and the mysteries it continues to present us with.

SOMETHING SURPRISING: I enjoy gardening. Pruning roses, trimming trees and getting my hands dirty in the yard while listening to a good audio book.

PASSION PROJECT: My kids are little projects. As someone who grew up fatherless, I committed to being intentionally present. I can guide them to success by showing them love, learning their passions and observing their strengths.