Nevada Area President
Chicanos Por La Causa Nevada (CPLC Nevada)
Type of Business: Nonprofit
Based In: Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, Carson City, Minden, Reno
Hails From: Florence, Arizona
Years Company has Been in Nevada: 10+
Years with Company in Nevada: 10
Employees with Company: 65+
What was your first job?
I collected eggs at a chicken farm.
Who in your life has been instrumental to your success?
My parents have been my lifeline, my mentors and my motivation to succeed.
What do you want your legacy to be?
[I want to be known as] a kind man who believes in caring for one another.
What is an issue currently facing your industry an outside observer might not be aware of?
The current state of divisiveness and blatant racism present in this country.
What career advice would you give to your teenage self?
Be true to yourself and passionate about the mission you set out for yourself.
What work project are you excited about happening in the next few months?
[We’re working to] make affordable housing and home ownership accessible to low-income communities. [This is] in addition to meeting the growing needs of Nevadans in economic development, behavioral health, homelessness and education. I am also excited about the upcoming brand new CPLC Nevada main office where we will offer housing counseling, business loans and youth workforce services, among many others.
If you had to live in another country for a year, which would you choose?
Canada – I hear the fishing for salmon is excellent up north.
What is your motto?
“Say your prayers.”
What would be the title of your autobiography?
“I Lived It, Lost It and Found It!”
If you could have dinner with any fictional character, who would it be and what would you have?
[I’d have dinner with] good old Santa Claus and I would share my mother’s famous chocolate raisin tamales (tamales de dulce).
What three words would you want your worst enemy to use when describing you?
Fearless. Compassionate. Humane.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Offering my trust to people and feeling that sense of disappointment when the trust is broken.
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
[There is] 24-hour food. We are the food and entertainment capital of the world.
