Born in San Francisco California, United States, from the age of 3 to 16 years old he lived in El Salvador where he survived the extensive violence of the civil war of that country. At 16 he returned to San Francisco and has dedicated his career and mission of life for peace and justice efforts.

Julio founded the San Dimas Community non-profit, an organization focused on the rehabilitation of vulnerable and new migrant youth, youth in gangs, and drug addiction. In addition, Julio coordinates the San Francisco Archdiocese Restorative Justice ministry that supports homicide survivors or co-victims, offenders in jails and prisons, formerly incarcerated reentry and reintegration into society, and families separated by incarceration including ICE deportations. Julio has nearly 25 years of service in restorative justice ministry.