For the last 20 years, Octavio has worked in the social service and public health fields with experience in HIV
Case Management & Treat Adherence Counseling, and health equity work and advocacy, including
equity-driven policy research, capacity building, and fostering collaboration among community-based
organizations, stakeholders, and elected officials to expand efforts, reach, and engagement within minority
groups and underrepresented communities. These efforts resulted in the establishment of the state of Nevada's
first minority health equity coalition and the re-establishment of the Nevada Office of Minority Health and Equity.
Octavio has also worked alongside stakeholders to eliminate and change antiquated and discriminatory public
health laws affecting individuals living with and affected by HIV/AIDS.

In alignment with Nationwide Ending the HIV Epidemic efforts and as a response to the disproportionate
incidence and prevalence of new HIV diagnoses in Clark County, Nevada, Octavio's most recent experience
includes establishing Rapid stART testing centers through capacity building aimed at achieving and maintaining
viral suppression through linkage to care and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Currently, as the Deputy Director for
Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiatives with Collaborative Research, Octavio continues his commitment of
supporting local public health, social service, and community organizations providing crucial services to People
Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA).

Octavio holds a Master's Degree in Public Health (Social and Behavioral Health) and a Bachelor of Science,
majoring in Social Work, with a Minor in Gerontology from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Octavio is also a
Bilingual Community Health Worker (CHW), certified as a CHW II.