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MEET JOSÉ LUIS 

 
It is my honor to introduce myself and outline my platform as a candidate for re-election to the School Committee.   I would like to share my personal and professional commitments, my accomplishments on the School Committee and what I will focus on if given the opportunity to serve a 2nd term.  I hope you will give me your #1 vote.
ABOUT ME / WHY I AM RUNNING / WHY VOTE #1 FOR ME
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ABOUT ME

My family and I have lived in Cambridge for nearly 20 years, and our sons attend the CRLS and Amigos public schools.   Born outside the US,  my wife and I came to the area for work opportunities and have stayed because of the supportive community that surrounds us.  We are lucky to have two joyous boys, a family that loves us and friends from various backgrounds.  COVID-19 showed us how in Cambridge we can come together as a community, to meet the challenges that we face to make Cambridge an even better place for all!

WHY I AM RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION

  • I care passionately about the value of a good education.  

    • In Mexico, my parents invested in my brother’s and my education

    • They saw it as the best “inheritance” they could give us

    • We studied in English-Spanish bilingual schools in Mexico

    • My parents risked their future and move us to the US-Mexico Border to strengthen our English language skills

  • This strong educational background provided me with opportunities:

    • Obtained financial aid to study as a Mexican undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania

    • Earned a master's degree in Economic & Political Development at Columbia University

  • As an immigrant,

    • I know the importance of helping other people who also made the decision to look for opportunities outside their home countries.  

    • I have volunteered to elevate the voices of other immigrants by teaching English to immigrants in the US and the UK, and serving as an interpreter in legal aid workshops.  

    • My experiences in in the Americas, Europe and Africa have strengthened my appreciation for and ability to work with people from diverse cultures and with different backgrounds

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WHY VOTE #1 FOR ME

  • My professional work in community development finance complements my personal commitment for education.

    • Currently work four days a week for LEAF, a Community Development Finance Institution, that

      • Lends to cooperatives in the US

      • Manages a healthy food financing initiative for Massachusetts and

      • Works with small businesses in communities of color in the greater Boston Area.  

    • Earlier, worked for banks (Boston Private), state agencies (Mass Growth Capital) and non-profits (Root Capital), always leading community lending programs.

  • Have extensive experience working on public and private boards and committees.  

    • Was part of the School Council at my sons’ Cambridge public school for 7 years.

    • Was a board member and finance committee chair for various cooperatives and non-profits (Equal Exchange, Creative Action Institute, ICA Group and LEAF)).  

    • Through these experiences, I learned to appreciate the importance of

      • Working collaboratively with others,

      • Collective problem-solving, and

      • Expecting accountability from leadership / management.

JOIN THE CAMPAIGN!

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