Rafael Brown serves as the Training and Programs Assistant at MILPA. He hails from South Carolina, being the son of Annie Mae Brown and Carl Townsen. Rafael has played a pivotal role in ensuring MILPA's success and impact through the Restoring Promise Initiative, drawing from both his personal experiences and his expertise in supporting incarcerated young men. He skillfully intertwines his research, cultural healing, and youth mentoring practices to inform research and contribute to the development of policies that positively impact his community. 

Rafael holds training certifications from the Rutgers Research Training program, El Joven Noble, C.L. Dellums, and African American Leadership School.