Mario Figueroa is a former Marine Corps Infantryman who deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. Following his service, Mario completed his B.A. in English Literature at Columbia University in the City of New York. While completing his studies, Mario served on the Executive Board of The US Military Veterans of Columbia University while also working as Director of Veteran Services for United War Veterans Council, a veterans centric non-profit dedicated to honoring service and helping veterans transition back into the civilian world. Upon graduation, Mario joined the NBC Universal team working as an Associate Producer for NBC Sports. Mario now currently works in Marketing and Advertising with Ayni Brigade, a strategic consultancy and creative boutique. When he is not trying to save the world, Mario likes to read comics and obsess over his Yorkie, Jimi Hendrix.