ASPIRA Association

To Our ASPIRA Family,

It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of one of our own, Charlie Serrano, a proud Aspirante, a respected leader, and a lifelong champion of community and purpose. Charlie passed away on April 24, 2025, at the age of 66.
Charlie was more than a graduate of our programs, he was a shining example of what ASPIRA stands for. As a young leader, he found his voice and purpose through ASPIRA, and he carried those values into every chapter of his life. He was deeply committed to justice, education, and the empowerment of our people. Charlie never forgot where he came from and he never stopped giving back.

For many who knew him, Charlie was a connector, a bridge between generations, a source of wisdom, laughter, and guidance. His impact was not confined to any single organization or initiative, it lived in the people he mentored, the youth he uplifted, and the movements he helped grow.

As we grieve his loss, we also recommit ourselves to the values Charlie lived by. In his honor, we will continue to build the kind of world he worked toward where young people believe in their power, where culture is celebrated, and where no one is left behind.
To those who had the privilege of knowing Charlie, we invite you to share your memories and reflections. Together, we will carry forward his legacy, not just in words, but in action.

With deepest sympathy and immense gratitude for Charlie’s life and leadership,

Johnny Villamil-Casanova
Chief Executive Officer
ASPIRA Association, Inc.