Originally from El Paso, Texas, Javier Matthew Carrasco (or Mateo to those that know him through his work) began his career as a youth intern with Grow the Future where he learned regenerative farming practices and youth leadership development. After completing his education at the University of New Mexico, Mateo became a FoodCorps service member and later the Food Justice Organizer for the SouthWest Organizing Project. Mateo then became the Executive Director of MoGro Mobile Grocery in 2024 where he oversaw programs and operations that feed hundreds of thousands of New Mexicans. He has also contracted with foundations as a grant reviewer, has hosted and facilitated local, regional, and national conferences, and has stewarded multi-stakeholder coalitions in the pursuit of a healthier community. Mateo graduated from the University of New Mexico with a BS in Biology, a BA in Chicana/o Studies, a minor in Sustainability Studies, and holds a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Leadership and Management from Arizona State University.