TOP 100 MAGAZINE

Ed Vargas

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In the ever-evolving landscape of leadership, impact, and social change, few names resonate as powerfully as Ed Vargas. As president and founder of Vargas and Associates LLC, he has dedicated his career to fostering meaningful collaborations that unite corporate groups, nonprofits, and government agencies to drive lasting societal change. Now, he’s taking that mission to an even broader stage with his new TV series, Champions of Change, premiering March 2025, on expandi TV. This groundbreaking coaching series is designed to equip leaders, entrepreneurs, and advocates with real-world strategies, expert insights, and hands-on coaching to transform organizations and communities.

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A Life Defined by Purpose

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Ed’s journey is extraordinary. While in high school, he was offered a full scholarship to play football at Saint Mary’s College, but a knee injury that required surgery led to a pulmonary embolism. Facing 36 harrowing hours in the hospital, he made a pact with himself: If he survived, he would dedicate his life to three goals—becoming a senior executive by age 30, working in international business, and paying it forward for the rest of his life.

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After getting his B.S.C. and J.D. from Santa Clara University, Ed achieved his first goal. He became vp of sales and marketing at his second packaging company, steering the business through a recession, increasing profitability and expanding its operations. He met his second goal when he was recruited to be an editor, publisher, and conference director for an international B2B publishing group. His third goal—giving back—is his life’s mission. At AT&T he helped start the HACEMOS ERG’s High Tech Day, STEM workshops for high school students. HACEMOS has awarded over $4.5 million in scholarships. He has led nonprofits and is a mentor at the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship and mentors young professionals at Conectado.com. Ed has been a tireless advocate for underserved communities.

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A Catalyst for Social Impact

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Founded in 2024 in the San Francisco Bay Area, Vargas and Associates LLC is the embodiment of Ed’s commitment to meaningful, strategic collaboration. The firm specializes in forging partnerships between corporate employee groups, nonprofits, community leaders, and government agencies to amplify social impact.

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One of his most notable achievements is his role in initiating a $42 million senior farmworker affordable housing project. He created the presentation to the City of Half Moon Bay for the nonprofit, Ayudando Latinos a Soñar. The ENA with the City has Mercy Housing of CA as the developer to secure tax credits and Serna Funds, ensuring that the rent remains affordable for farmworkers earning $25,000 annually. This model is replicable and scalable, a testament to Ed’s belief in sharing best practices to maximize community impact.

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In 2024, Ed expanded his reach as president of the DIVINA WORLD Foundation, launching the inaugural Unity, Advocacy, and Impact Summit during Native American Heritage Month. By bringing together corporate groups, nonprofit leaders, and San Jose City government agencies, he created a platform to exchange knowledge, resources, and strategies to drive systemic change.

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The Power of Ikigai

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During a B2B conference he created in Tokyo, Ed’s journey with Ikigai—the Japanese philosophy of finding one’s purpose—began. This profound concept forms the foundation of his coaching series. “I’ve been practicing aspects of Ikigai for years, but I can only reach so many people in person,” Ed explains. “This series allows me to scale that impact, helping individuals discover their WHY, achieve balance, and contribute to what the world truly needs.”

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Keynote Speaker and Thought Leader

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Ed is a sought-after speaker, delivering compelling, actionable insights that inspire audiences to take tangible steps toward social and organizational change. Infused with personal anecdotes, leadership strategies, and even his love for music—he plays guitar and sings in cover bands—Ed’s presentations are as engaging as they are enlightening. “I believe that music is a superpower that transcends cultures, languages, and generations to connect people on a deeper level.”

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Through his consultancy, speaking engagements, and now Champions of Change, Ed is on a mission to become a TEDx speaker, further amplifying his impact. His ability to share innovative strategies, and foster collaboration makes him an undeniable force for good in today’s world.

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The Future of Vargas and Associates

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Now more than ever, America is facing polarization on key issues. Ed believes that leadership and communication skills are essential to bridging divides and creating positive change. His core belief is credibility builds trust, trust builds strong, lasting relationships and if you give respect, you get respect. Whether he’s consulting on social responsibility initiatives, leading summits, or mentoring the next generation of leaders, Ed is unwavering in his commitment to making a difference.

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As he partners with Camille Garick, founder of expandi TV, to launch his coaching channel, Ed’s vision for Champions of Change is clear: “Go beyond successful silos by sharing best practices with corporate employee groups, nonprofits, community leaders and government agencies to share knowledge, resources to scale up greater positive impact. That’s my mission—to be the catalyst for change, to empower others to take action, and to show that when we work together, the possibilities are limitless.”

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For those looking to be part of the movement, Champions of Change offers more than just inspiration—it offers a roadmap to action. Whether through his series, keynotes, or consultancy, Ed Vargas is leading the charge toward a more collaborative, impactful future—one where everyone has the tools to make a meaningful difference.

 

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Ed Vargas
President and Founder
Vargas & Associates LLC
Website: https://www.vargasandassociatesllc.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/edward-a-vargas/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ed.vargas.10
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ev1538/

expandi.TV: https://expandi.tv/