Victor Villacrez

Victor Villacrez ’00 is a Madison-based entrepreneur, nonprofit founder, and civic leader whose work spans business, cultural exchange, and humanitarian service. He began his undergraduate studies at UW–Eau Claire before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his BA in Psychology in 2000. He later completed his MBA at Cardinal Stritch University. At UW–Madison, Victor found in psychology more than a field of study—it became a lens for understanding identity, resilience, and purpose. That foundation has shaped his life’s work: revitalizing downtown neighborhoods, fostering people-to-people relationships between the U.S. and Peru, and leading grassroots efforts to improve access to clean water, education, and cultural preservation. As founder and president of Mundo Esperanza, he builds partnerships with Indigenous communities across the Americas, supporting projects grounded in dignity, sustainability, and shared knowledge.

Victor is an active member of Rotary International and has served on numerous civic boards, including Centro Hispano of Dane County, Downtown Madison Inc., and the Madison Central Business Improvement District. Known for his adventurous spirit, he is also a seasoned outdoorsman, having completed high-altitude expeditions in the Andes and a 50-mile endurance walk for charity. A lifelong creative, he is recognized for his poetic voice and culinary talent, which often bring people together in celebration, reflection, and storytelling. In 2024, Victor received the Department of Psychology’s Distinguished Alumni Award for Applications of Psychology. He now serves on the Boards of Visitors for both the UW Department of Psychology and the UW Global Health Institute. Drawing on decades of cross-cultural leadership and real-world insight, he looks forward to supporting the department’s mission to help students find purpose, empower researchers, and advance psychology’s impact in today’s world.