Danny Murillo is a dedicated leader who transformed his life experience into a lifelong commitment to social justice. Guided by a deep conviction to advocate for those most marginalized, he has built a career at the intersection of higher education, research, and criminal justice reform.
Danny earned a B.A. in Ethnic Studies from the University of California, Berkeley, where he conducted both quantitative and qualitative research, including data analysis on the disproportionate rate of suspensions of Black male students in Oakland’s public schools. His research interests also focus on higher education in prisons and the experiences of formerly incarcerated students navigating colleges and universities in California.
As Associate Director of Berkeley Underground Scholars, Danny plays a central role in developing programs and policies that expand access to education, build leadership pathways, and promote career readiness for system-impacted students. His leadership is characterized by a hands-on approach to community building and a proven ability to launch and sustain initiatives that support academic and professional success. Driven by the belief that education is a powerful tool for liberation, Danny continues to push for transformative policy changes that dismantle mass incarceration and advance equity in higher education.