Diego Torres is a native from Ecuador and moved to Charlotte in 2012. After many personal and professional experiences, he discovered a passion for assisting and empowering people in need. This strong belief led Diego to embark on a journey of global service.
In 2002, Diego engaged with an international humanitarian organization helping those who were poor or orphaned, teaching English in Turkey, Kazakhstan, Hungary, Kyrgyzstan, and India. Returning to Ecuador in 2005, he collaborated with UNDP, IFM, OIM, and USAID to develop and supervise social programs, addressing civil unrest at the border and resettling refugees with UNHCR. Diego also spent a year in Israel in 2011, assisting Sudanese refugees through UNHCR programs.
After moving to Charlotte, NC, he began working in the private sector while maintaining an active role in volunteering with churches and local non-profits. He was recognized as Volunteer of the Year for the Salvation Army in 2016. Since then, his focus shifted to kids’ literacy, pandemic relief efforts, and advocating for immigrants’ needs. Diego was acknowledged as a “Front line worker” in 2021. He continues to coordinate with diverse organizations, individuals, and programs, striving to empower and support those in the shadows.
“I knew I was going to have contact with many people… I decided not to see my family. I had no contact with them.”
Photo Credit: Héctor Vaca Cruz with Abre La Boca
Video Credit: Edgar Marcano with The Moka House
