Rafael has worked in the United States since he was 17 years old when he came to the country from Mexico as a teenager.  He did agricultural work for seven years, and then began working for a professional cleaning and restoration company where he became certified in carpet cleaning, and mildew remediation.  After working for the company for five years, he married his wife and moved to Ellensburg to support her in finishing her degree at CWU.  In spring of 2003, Rafael began working at CWU as a temporary grounds-keeper then later hired to work in custodial maintenance with the night crew.  Later, Rafael had the opportunity to move to day shift working as custodial maintenance for ten years in Nicholson Pavilion.  In January, he switched to window washer in Facilities Management.  Currently, Rafael is the Sports Equipment Manager for the Physical Education, School Health, and Movement Studies.  He has been married for sixteen years and has three children.  He loves playing soccer, staying fit, and enjoys spending time with his family.