Dr. Felipe Mercado

Dr. Felipe Mercado is a first-generation Latino professor, consultant, author, and founder of Wise Souls LLC whose work is rooted in healing-centered education, trauma-informed systems, educator wellness, and compassionate leadership. An Assistant Professor of Social Work at California State University, Fresno, he partners with schools, universities, and community organizations to create systems that move beyond documenting suffering to actively supporting healing. A certified Compassion Cultivation Teacher and six-time Amazon bestselling author, Dr. Mercado's work bridges research, practice, and a deep commitment to human flourishing.

Growing up in California's Central Valley, Dr. Mercado's life has been shaped by what he calls "Poverty 4x"—the compounded realities of poverty, trauma, racism, and cultural erasure, including experiencing homelessness as a teenager. Those experiences continue to inform his vision for more honest, humane institutions where healing is embedded into leadership and systems change. His work explores how contemplative practice, Indigenous wisdom, neuroscience, and ethical AI can help create environments where educators, students, families, and communities can truly thrive.

As an Acosta Institute Fellow, Dr. Mercado hopes to engage with others who are committed to building with integrity rather than simply talking about transformation. He looks forward to exploring practical models for healing-centered leadership, educator wellness, and ethical innovation while contributing to a community grounded in authentic dialogue, shared learning, and meaningful systems change.