Berto Aguayo ’16 named Red Cross Social Justice Hero

March 28, 2023

Berto Aguayo ’16 was recently named the 2023 Social Justice Hero by the American Red Cross. Congratulations, Berto! The Red Cross will host its annual Red Cross Heroes Breakfast on May 11.

Berto is a law student at Northwestern and is the Executive Director of Increase the Peace, an organization that develops young leaders and promotes peace through leadership development, community organizing, and advocating for solutions that tackle the root causes of violence. He uses his experience as a former gang member to rally youth to stay off the streets by incentivizing them through community projects, employment access, and civic leader preparation.

Additionally, Berto mentors Increase the Peace youth and regularly hosts them at Northwestern Law School for leadership and legal aid training. He has also worked hard to bring Black and Latino communities together in the Black and Brown Unity Car Parade which advocates for peace and racial healing.

Read more: Executive Director of Increase the Peace named Red Cross Social Justice Hero