Mario has been part of the Freedom Movement story from the very beginning. As Karrie’s husband, he offered steady encouragement and thoughtful input behind the scenes as the organization began to take shape in 2013. While Karrie was envisioning what Freedom Movement could become and launching its earliest events, Mario was immersed in the corporate design world, working with clients at a Los Angeles agency and later serving as Creative Director at Easton-Bell Sports and Getting Things Done.
In 2015, Mario went through a major career shift and soon found himself searching for a new role. After a year-long search for another corporate position, and while taking freelance work to stay afloat, he felt God calling him to stop pursuing the next job and instead invest fully in Freedom Movement. He stepped out in faith into the role of Creative Director and has served in that position ever since. Today, Mario continues to shape and sustain the organization’s visual identity, managing everything from the website and digital media to marketing and branding for tours, courses, and events.
Mario’s passion for Freedom Movement reflects Karrie’s own, and from a young age he has felt drawn to champion those on the margins. He has been deeply moved to witness real transformation in the lives of the women and men the organization serves. Though working alongside a spouse brings its own challenges, Mario treasures the opportunity to serve with Karrie as a united team, meeting people wherever they are and sharing with them the redeeming love of Christ.
In addition to his work with Freedom Movement, Mario serves nonprofit and for-profit clients through his own design agency, FiveFive. He officially launched the agency in June 2019, after his freelance projects grew into a strong portfolio that has since included 21c Museum Hotels, Lululemon, Lime, and Bridge Community Church. In both of his roles, he values every chance to mentor and collaborate with other talented designers. Mario is committed to creating an environment where his team can grow and thrive in their own style and strengths. Just as he supports Freedom Movement’s mission to empower others, he is always seeking ways to encourage and develop designers to become their best.