Franco Saavedra

After becoming involved with HoP in 2017, as a volunteer and later Associate Director, Franco feels excited and honored to have taken the role of Director of Social Responsibility. He was born in Lima, Peru and in his teenage years migrated to the US with his sister and mother in 2002. He first lived in Atlanta, GA for ten years where he graduated High School. In 2013 he moved to San Diego to start a family with his beloved partner, now parents to two beautiful children. He graduated from Cal-State University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a concentration on Children, Youth and Families. Franco is very involved and active in his community advocating for San Diegans living with disabilities. His passion for serving vulnerable members in our community started when he became employed at a non-profit behavioral health clinic in North County, where he pioneered and led a Social Determinants of Health program. 

Currently he is Program Manager at San Diego’s Center for Independent Living where he is a proud advocate for disability rights and for individuals to sustain and maintain their independence.  Franco also volunteers for organizations that empower at-promise youth transitioning into adulthood, and that encourage them to partake in recreational outdoor activities and adventures. He is the happiest being out in nature, loves animals and plants. He is an explorer of the mystic, holistic health, environmentalism, and healthy living. He has a deep appreciation for indigenous Peruvian culture, which in 2021 led him to create his own clothing brand--“Ayniology.” Although he has lived in the US most of his life, he considers Peru his “Madre Patria.” In reciprocity, he is committed to advocate for the Peruvian community, while promoting our culture as a legacy for our children and future generations.