Josue Castellon

Leadership Rooted in Educational Equity

Title: College Track

Organization: Executive Site Director

Age: 34

Josue Castellon currently serves as the Executive Site Director for College Track Oakland. College Track is a national 10-year program working with first-generation and low-income scholars. As Executive Site Director, he oversees a team of 13 employees, develops local community partnerships, supports fundraising initiatives, and has aided with the organization’s mission in developing College and University Partnerships.

Originally from Los Angeles, he was raised in a single-parent household where his mother instilled the importance of higher education and serving disadvantaged communities. Although she lacked the tools to guide him through college, Josue sought out resources himself and supported others even before navigating the process personally. This early drive led to 11 years of experience in college access and completion work with first-generation and underserved communities. 

He believes in empowering students and families with academic, socio-emotional, financial, and critical tools necessary to transform lives and future generations. To date, he has supported hundreds through their college journeys. Josue holds a B.A. in Ethnic Studies and a double Minor in Chicanx Studies and Critical Gender Studies from UC San Diego. While on campus, he was active in student organizations. 

He created the Chicanx Resource Centro, established Ethnic Studies as a university-wide requirement, secured funding for access and retention, hired the first Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and brought Chicanx art installations to campus—all while working for the TriO Outreach Programs as a college advisor. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, baking, and attending concerts with his wife Karla and spending time with their two dogs.