José Mancillas (chalchuihyolotl) is a visual artist turned activist who got his start serving his community as the Sgt at arms of the San Jose Brown Berets in 2018. He was the co-creator of “Protectores de Racies”(protectors of the roots) , a graffiti art workshop which aimed to connect  the urban artistic expression with ancestral knowledge and identity. Although his professional background is in security, José pursued his passion for graffiti art and began teaching it in schools in 2020. José’s upbringing in ESSJ  inspired him to become a circle keeper for the National Compadre Network and now facilitates a youth development circle called “Joven Noble con Palabra.” Currently, he is a security & safety director at a local middle school.  

José’s outgoing personality and experience as a community organizer is the reason he is now our community outreach coordinator. He is tasked with sharing the Heartworker's  mission far and wide.  As well, his self-reliance/wilderness first-aid skills and passion for the outdoors make him a great fit as a wilderness leader. The Heartworkers Union aims to use wilderness integration as a means to teach youth how to connect with the land and themselves. He looks forward to using his lived experience and his certifications in non-violent crisis prevention and Joven Noble, to help youth build strong and healthy relationships with oneself and their community.