Born in Delaware to Colombian immigrant parents, Cesar grew up in Newark and Middletown. He attended Middletown High School before studying physics at Princeton and at the University of Delaware, where he earned an M.S. As a Ph.D. candidate Cesar served in various university-wide committees, the Faculty Senate, the Delaware Will Shine strategic planning initiative, and Board of Trustees meetings. Serving while studying gave Cesar particular perspective on opportunities to expand the impact of higher education through community partnerships and service.

Cesar works at the University of Delaware Office for International Students and Scholars, which serves over 5,000 students from 90 countries. By integrating international students in initiatives on and off campus, Cesar is currently seeking to improve diversity competency and intercultural communication. As co-chair of the Delaware Chapter of the Sierra Club, the nation’s oldest and largest environmental organization, he has led and initiated strategic planning efforts to improve operational capacity while expanding and diversifying its membership, leadership, and impact in the state. He is actively involved in the Down to Earth Food Co-op, a unique 501(c)(3) that procures organic produce from local farms via labor exchange, providing affordable weekly meals and educating the public about sustainable food systems.

These endeavors embody Cesar’s belief in promoting education, opportunities, and resources for individuals to responsibly advance themselves and society.