The Sacramento, California community is mourning the heartbreaking and sudden loss of Joaquin Razo, a beloved leader, advocate, and dedicated member of the United Way California Capital Region family. His passing has left colleagues, friends, loved ones, and community members devastated as they remember a man whose life was defined by service, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of community.
Joaquin Razo devoted more than a decade of his life to strengthening the Sacramento region and uplifting the people within it. He first joined United Way California Capital Region as Senior Manager of Individual Giving and Action Groups, where he helped grow initiatives such as Women United and the Young Leaders Society. Through his passion and leadership, he later became a dedicated board member and most recently served as Chair of the organization’s Board of Directors.
In Sacramento, Joaquin was admired not only for his professional accomplishments but also for the kindness and generosity he brought into every room. Those who knew him say his leadership was rooted in action, vision, and a sincere desire to help others thrive. He played a key role in advancing major community initiatives, including United Way’s 100th Anniversary Campaign, annual gala efforts, and programs focused on housing and guaranteed income support for families in need.
Beyond his work with United Way, Joaquin built an impressive career centered on leadership and community impact. He previously served with Blue Zones as Senior Manager of Learning & Development and held leadership roles within the Blue Zones National Team and Blue Zones Project Upper Napa Valley. He also served as Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer for the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, where he was respected for his vision and collaborative spirit.
Joaquin pursued studies in Global Leadership at Gonzaga University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Management from University of San Francisco. Friends and colleagues say his education reflected the same values he carried throughout his life — leadership, service, and dedication to creating meaningful change.
He is mourned deeply by his mother Lydia Razo, his sister Ashley Eagleson-Renteria, extended family, friends, colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched through his work and friendship.
