I'm getting a ton of responses by email from friends and family right now. I kindly asked if they would visit our company site and give us feedback. Some never heard of blogging, but would be glad to visit. Others refused it saying it was information overload and that email was sufficient. Some don't have internet. Some don't have computers at home. Some argued that they already are fans on our Facebook page. Others stated they couldn't post a comment. Some argued that my wife, Edith, should blog about Latina issues. And, others totally loved it and replied with sentiments like, "I think it takes an incredible amount of optimism, smarts, and raw enthusiasm; all traits that you have an abundance of... Your constant updates are insightful and entertaining journalism. You are definitetly an inspiration to many more people than you are aware of, me included. Keep on doing your thing man." Another friend provided great feedback specifically on correct use of grammar. The majority … [Read more...]

After being discharged from an eighteen month military tour at the Joint Personal Effects Depot at Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland and making the 5-day drive from the east coast to Portland, Oregon I began thinking of how I would continue serving, specifically serving Oregon's Veterans. Before leaving Maryland, my First Sergeant remarked, "what are you going to do back home, Sir? This is a very important mission we have here you know." Six months passed and I applied for a position in the Oregon Legislature. Fortunately, I received my first pick: Veterans Affairs. He was very pleased when I told him of the new assignment. Its a Marathon Not a Sprint In early January 2009 I began a 6 month assignment where I staffed the House Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services (SMS example PDF). The committee Chair was Rep. Jean Cowan and the Vice Chairs were Rep. Tim Freeman and Rep. Greg Matthews. The committee also included Rep. Debbie Boone, Rep. Sal Esquivel, Rep. Betty Komp, Rep. … [Read more...]

On Sat., September 5th, the family and I had the pleasure of attending the Independence, OR- Mexican Fiesta organized by Adrian Castro (@adriangcastro). Nested in downtown, in an open-air auditorium, the lively event drew, what seemed, the entire local Latino community, over 600+ people, 30+ food/vendor booths, 30+ live back-to-back performers (Banda Arrazando, Chris Mesa), and El Himno Nacional led by Consul General of Mexico- Portland. The grilled carne al pastor and its pineapple released an hypnotic aroma that kept families ordering more food. Jaime Miranda of M&M Swap Meet was on hand promoting his indoor soccer field. "The field" he explained, "gives youth goals and and an opportunity to be part of a team." No question that futbol runs deep in our blood. Oregon State University MEChA members hurriedly sold raffles to raise money for student scholarships. As one undergrad Blanca Cabrerra put it, "College books keep getting expensive. We hope to alleviate those challenges with … [Read more...]

My girlfriend, Edith, at the time called me. "Where are you?" she asked. "Turn on the TV. We've been attacked. It's the World Trade Center." I remember closing my eyes and hoping what Edith was telling me could not be true. Sadly, it was. Every major TV channel was focused on downtown Manhattan. My mind raced to think of family or friends living in New York. There were none. I called my mom, Catalina, and she, like millions of people around the globe were focused on the World Trade Centers. We both were emotional. She asked, "who could have done this?" I didn't have an answer. At the time I was an enlisted Soldier in the U.S. Army Reserves assigned to a local civil-affairs unit and attending Oregon State University. In a blink of an eye, America and with it, the world had changed. That year I would become fully immersed in the Army ROTC battalion, and like my peers--some former enlisted and some regular college students--would focus our attention on earning an Officer Commission in the … [Read more...]

Being bilingual [Spanish+ English] is often a requirement in applying for certain jobs. Being bilingual is simply a competitive advantage, but is this enough? Job Skills + Position Requirements+ Nine Tips [courtesy of BilingualHire] Clearly if you don't have the job skills and minimum position requirements needed to perform the task at hand, being bilingual will be of little help. Being bilingual and having these credentials will make you a strong candidate for ascending to top management, especially in an environment where A. Spanish is spoken, and B. the customers/clients speak Spanish. In many cases experience will be considered in lieu of education requirements. So what do you do if you are already bilingual and want to advance your career? Here are 9 tips to take away and post on your to-do-board: Subject Matter Expert: know your stuff. This means acquiring all the required certifications and endorsements for your job or job you are applying for. Engaged: become an … [Read more...]

Each of us is shaped by what we see, hear, and learn. Almost every person we come into contact with will have an impact on our persona. Our environment shapes our persistence, insight and how we view the world. Even these landscapes change. I had mentors growing up. They loved Tecate and Modelo. At celebrations we'd kill goats and carefully, meticulously cook them underground ceremoniously create a delicious tasting and mouth-watering meal, called birria de chivo. Along the way we met individuals that inspired in us the possibilities, who held us to higher standards and rigorously had us check our principles, those ideals that stand like a rock. Mentors come and go, but find one that you connect with and have synergy with who will guide you along this road of life. Some are online and some are offline. Some are our former bosses and colleagues that we picked up leadership vignettes and style from. Servant Leaders Servant leaders and former bosses like Major General Eldon Regua, … [Read more...]