Julio Escobar was born in San Francisco, California in the United States - but from the age of 3 to 16 years old he lived in El Salvador where he survived the extensive violence of the El Salvadoran Civil War. At 16, Julio returned to San Francisco and since then has dedicated his career and life to working for peace and justice efforts. Over the course of his career, Julio founded the San Dimas Community, a non-profit organization focused on the rehabilitation of vulnerable and new migrant youth, youth in gangs, and those addicted to drugs. The latest initiative implemented by Julio is Excell Network, a scholarship aid program for formerly incarcerated students being launched in October 2020.  In addition, Julio coordinates the San Francisco Archdiocese Restorative Justice Ministry, which supports homicide victims and all those suffering from incarceration, including family members and those suffering from ICE deportations.