Gender

Male

Location

Chicago, IL

Birthday:

March 16

About me

Strategist, Mission Director, International Governmental Relations, Marketing & Economic Analyst and Futurist: 30 years of experience in establishing political, commercial and trade relations in Latin America on behalf of clients and institutions. For the past 20 years in Cuba as a Strategist / Analyst for Firms and Institutions developing relations in Cuba. Focus on analyzing data, socio-political shifts to reach corporate and organizational goals. Authority in assessing and analyzing policy direction and political consequences in developing environments. Expert in Caribbean and Cuba political, social and economic development, analyst of historical and future trends. Social-Media, Strategic Planning and Organizational Development Consultant. Forecasting population shifts, political trends, and socio-economic forces influencing society.

What is your current career title or dream job?

Director of Strategic Planning / International Development: Manage operations in Chicago, Cuba, RD, and Caribbean field offices. Lead consultant to public policy and public affairs projects. Director of planning, coordination of missions for trade, business development, academic/research projects in Latin America and Caribbean island nations. Responsibilities include; developing strategies to establish contacts and counterparts for business, academic and research clients. Plan and coordinate presentations representing client’s interest, projects and policy positions before public hearings, legislative committees and government entities in the USA, Latin America and the Caribbean. Develop plans and training for client's staff to understand Latin American diversity, culture and ideology. Serve as lobbyist in Illinois, the Midwest and Washington DC.

Background/Education/Experience

First Latino to work in the City of Chicago Legislative Bureau in 1982 and served as staff to the first Latino elected Latino Alderman 1983-86. The first Latino to challenge a Latino elected official 1986 for State Representative. In 1992 one of two registered Latino’s among 2,200 registered Lobbyist in the State of Illinois. In 1986 served as national campaign adviser for the RNC and participated in Republican Conventions from 1988 to 2004, as Delegate, Platform Committee member and spokesperson for Latino Media. Elected Secretary of The Republican National Hispanic Assembly serving on its executive committee for six years. Developed commercial relations in; Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Colombia and Caribbean Island nations. Served as Adviser to United Nations in 2006 and served as Political Analyst for Network news programs and guest panel member for nationally syndicated news programs. Trained over 150 organizations in developing Strategic Plans, Business and Operational Plans and facilitates workshops at the Latino Non-Profit Leadership Academy. Masters in Public Policy and Urban Planning / MUPP (1993) Concentration in Public Policy and Economic Development The University of Illinois at Chicago, College of Planning & Public Affairs Bachelors of Arts - Majors in Theology-Biblical Languages (1981) Certificate in Secondary Education in Social Sciences Andrews University, School of Arts and Social Sciences Associates in Applied Science in Criminal Investigative Technology Central YMCA Community College of Chicago (1978 Honors) Other Course Work in Academic Institutions: Massachusetts Institute of Technology: The Real Estate Development Institute 1987 McCormick Theological Seminary, Chicago IL Urban and Latin American Studies Institute 1984 Governors State University, Illinois Urban Economic Development Center 1984 Andrews Theological Seminary Urban Studies and Divinity Program 1981-82

Organizations & clubs

Awarded HUD Fellowship in 1989; EDI/MacArthur Fellow 1987, American Assembly Fellow at Columbia University 2004, Leadership for Greater Chicago Fellow Class of 1999, Faculty in the Center for Leadership Innovation in Maryland; Latin American Studies Association (LASA), The Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Chicago, The League of United of Latin American Citizens (LULAC), The National Council on La Raza (NCLR) Chairman and founding board member of The Council for Latin American Relations, C-LAR, a Fellow and Senior Analyst for the Center for Caribbean Policy and a board member of the Cuba-US Humanitarian Trade Council

What languages do you speak?

English, Spanish

Hobbies & interests

I love my family, my friends, I love nature and the things it produces. I love music, and learning about humans. I love to read, and learn about history and world affairs. I enjoy Cigars, Coffee, and Caribbean Rum. I develop missions and expeditions to Latin America. If you ever thought about going to Cuba - I'm the person who will take you to Cuba and create your dream adventure and mission. Are You Ready To Go? Most of all I value the human spirit. My focus is my spiritual growth and development maintaining my relationship with God. I am always open to new things, thoughts and ideas of how to make life work for the highest good.

Looking for:

English, Spanish