MEET JOSÉ LUIS
It is my honor to (re-)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 another term. I hope you will give me your #1 vote.
ABOUT ME / WHY I AM RUNNING / WHY VOTE #1 FOR ME
ABOUT ME
My family and I have lived in Cambridge for nearly 25 years. Our sons have attended 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 children, a family that loves us and friends from various backgrounds. The recent pandemic and political upheavals are showing 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
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I care passionately about the value of a good education.
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In Mexico, my parents invested in my brother’s and my education
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They saw it as the best “inheritance” they could give us
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We studied in English-Spanish bilingual schools in Mexico
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My parents risked their future and move us to the US-Mexico Border to strengthen our English language skills
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This strong educational background provided me with opportunities:
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Obtained financial aid to study as a Mexican undergraduate student at the University of Pennsylvania
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Earned a master's degree in Economic & Political Development at Columbia University
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As an immigrant,
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I know the importance of helping other people who also made the decision to look for opportunities outside their home countries.
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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.
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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
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My professional work in community development finance complements my personal commitment for education.
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Currently work four days a week for LEAF, a Community Development Finance Institution, that
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Finances and advises cooperatives in the US
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Manages a healthy food financing initiative for Massachusetts and
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Works with small businesses in communities of color in the greater Boston Area.
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Earlier, worked for banks (svb; fka Boston Private), state agencies (Mass Development; fka Mass Growth Capital) and non-profits (Root Capital), always leading community lending programs.
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Have extensive experience working on public and private boards and committees.
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Was part of the School Council at my sons’ Cambridge public school for 7 years.
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Was a board member and finance committee chair for various cooperatives and non-profits (Equal Exchange, Creative Action Institute, ICA Group and LEAF)).
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Through these experiences, I learned to appreciate the importance of
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Working collaboratively with others,
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Collective problem-solving, and
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Expecting accountability from leadership / management.
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