Education and community service have always been a passion for Carlos. He grew up playing in the parks of Hialeah and Miami Lakes, graduating from Monsignor Edward Pace High School.

He continued his pursuit of knowledge by obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Eduction from St. Thomas University and a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership from Nova Southeastern University. He became a teacher, assistant principal, and principal.

In August of 2008, with a visionary spirit, Carlos Alvarez opened the City of Hialeah Educational Academy (COHEA) Career and Collegiate Academy, committing himself to its mission as principal. For the past 13 years, with the support of his staff, community, and the City of Hialeah, he has guided this distinctive 6-12 charter middle/high school to excel to greatness, creating opportunities for its students to focus on a high academic program and public service through unique academies.  This Title 1 school has been recognized by Newsweek, the Daily Beast, and U.S. News and World Report as a high performing school of excellence, ranking as one of the “Best High Schools in America.” To date, the school has expanded its initial academies of police, allied health, fire, and first responder to include mass communication, law and legal services, nursing, and the fine arts (music, art, and dance). Industry certifications including EMR, EKG, EVOC, Phlebotomy, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Premeire Pro are a major focus of the school, as well as a rigorous academic program including Advanced Academic Programs and dual enrollment college and university courses. In 2020, the school received Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) National Certification for its cross-curricular program in creating critical thinkers and next-generation innovators.

Carlos continued his commitment to expanding this innovative one-of-a-kind educational model throughout the United States through the birth of the CIVICA Network of schools, which will be opening campuses in Colorado and Las Vegas in August 2021. This model replicates the academy approach, but the academies target the industry needs of the community in which they are housed.

Additionally, Carlos serves as Vice-Chair for Pinecrest Academy Inc., sharing his knowledge and leadership with schools throughout South and Central Florida.  In 2016, Florida Tax Watch presented Carlos with their Principal Leadership Award.

Carlos recognizes the importance of giving back to the community through his many initiatives and collaborations. He feels that volunteerism teaches us compassion and strengthens us as a community.  As a councilmember, Carlos has focused on public safety initiatives and infrastructure projects to continue to bring beauty, safety, and security to our community. He has promoted town-wide educational programming and recreational options for both children and adults. He has also served as a member of the elderly affairs committee and has collaborated with Miami Lakes Cars for the Cure, helping to create a documentary to raise cancer awareness and work towards finding a cure. He feels that it is important to connect with the people of your community to give back to the place that you call home.