José Patiño is vice president of external affairs at Aliento, a nonprofit organization invested in the well-being, emotional healing, and leadership development of those impacted by the inequities of lacking an immigration status.

Engaged in the Immigrant Rights and Dreamer Movement since 2009, José fights for justice for undocumented immigrants, halting deportations and lobbying for the DREAM Act and Immigration Reform. He stopped a bus of undocumented immigrants who were set to be deported, engaged in a direct action where he interrupted President Obama’s speech, and has lobbied for Immigration Reform. Due to Jose’s activism he was featured in The Washington Post, MSNBC, NPR, Univision, Telemundo, Buzzfeed, Think Progress, among others. He was also featured in the documentaries The Dream is Now and Underwater Dreams.

He actively supports higher educational attainment and trains students to create equitable spaces within schools, recognizing immigrant youths' resilience and potential for systemic change. With nearly two decades of advocating for immigrant and student rights, José engages allies in understanding policies impacting the immigrant community.

A Mexican immigrant raised in Phoenix, AZ, migrated at six and is part of the 1% DACAmented individuals in the U.S. with a master’s degree. Educator and activist, he holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Arizona State University and a master's in secondary education from Grand Canyon University.