Growing Up Latino The Bronx and Discovering A New World
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Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
I never looked back at my Scouting experience over the next 25 years as I graduated, went to grad school, started my career and suffered a series of financial and professional disappointments and failures. I did not think about it when in spite of all of it, I joined in starting the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Westchester County. I became President, elected by my Board, and entered my first leadership position since being appointed Patrol Leader way back in the Bronx in 1966.
I started and lost a business, started another, closed it down, began a career in financial services that I continue with today. I also furthered my leadership skills by being elected to the Board of Directors of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, where I rose to Chair of Region 5 and Finance Committee Chair.
Another learning experience and leadership position that I would not have dreamed of attaining just a few short years before.
Board of Directors of the Westchester-Putnam Council of the BSA
I joined the Board of Directors of the Westchester-Putnam Council of the BSA a few years ago; my first engagement with Scouting since 1970 when I left for college. I started listening to my new colleagues on the Board, dedicated , long serving men of passion and commitment to the mission of scouting.
I met individual scouts, young men just embarking on their journey as I did many years ago. I started and continue to lead the charge for the Council’s mission to engage more Latino youth into the wonders and benefits of Scouting. Almost 50 years after my initial engagement with scouting, I am back; trying to make it possible for a new generation of Latino boys to discover the power within themselves.
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