Capital Region
Joseph M. Bonilla
Managing Partner
Relentless Awareness
Age: 25
Joe Bonilla is a social entrepreneur, always looking for a way to inspire and connect to the community. Bonilla currently is the managing partner of Relentless Awareness LLC and the 2011 Fuerza Latina Leader of the Year award winner and is active in the Albany community. Bonilla also writes two columns, "Cavalcade" and "Libations" for the Knickerbocker Ledger (in which he co-founded) and serves as a member of the City of Albany's Public, Educational, and Government Oversight Access Board. Bonilla is a co-founder of the Capital Region's Knickerbocker Film Festival held at the Madison Theater. Among his many achievements, Bonilla recently interviewed President Bill Clinton at the University at Albany as part of their World Within Reach Speaker Series.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born In Brooklyn, N.Y. and have lived in Albany for most of my life. I went to St. Teresa’s of Avila School for both elementary and middle school before going to Albany High School.
Tell us a little about your background experience. As an undergraduate, I attended Hudson Valley Community College and Schenectady County Community College before receiving my B.A. in Public Management and Policy from the University at Albany’s Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Policy. From leaving high school, I didn’t go straight through education-wise. When I was at HVCC, I was involved in their Student Senate, serving as senior class president and as vice president (eventually managing a $200,000 campus activities budget) in addition to serving as president of both the theater club and WHVC Radio. Between HVCC and UAlbany, I worked on various marketing endeavors, including Bow Tie Cinemas in Schenectady, N.Y. and Image Quilt Productions for their off-Broadway productions before entering UAlbany in 2008. While at UAlbany, I was appointed Director of Albany Student Television, turning the organization around from a two-person operation to a 200-member strong television network owned and operated by students. Later, I was appointed Director of Programming, where my team was responsible for bringing President Bill Clinton, Barbara Walters, and numerous high-profile recording acts to campus.
How did you choose your current career/position? During this same time, I co-founded a company with two high school friends, BASKnickerbocker Inc. Under my leadership, BAS has grown into a Capital Region-based media organization responsible for Albany’s only film festival, the Knickerbocker Film Festival, and one of the Capital Region’s fastest growing news sources, the Knickerbocker Ledger. I’m currently the managing partner for Relentless Awareness, an Albany-based media relations and branding firm based at the historic Washington Avenue Armory in partnership with the Avid Agencies. Along with my business partner Rich Fazio, we’ve amassed a substantial client load that includes elected officials, small businesses, and entertainment operations that include Albany County District Attorney David Soares and Albany City Treasurer Kathy Sheehan.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I’m currently on the advisory board for the Capital Region chapter of the New Leaders Council, a progressive organization that empowers small business opportunities. I’ve previously served as Troop Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 149 in Albany and as vice president of the Aurora Foundation of Northeast, Inc.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I would see myself giving counsel to Latino candidates for public office or Latino executives in either the public or private sector. As a communications professional, I think it’s important to reach diverse audiences to achieve success and in particularly with the Latino community, presenting a clearly defined message of where we have been in the Latino community and how we would want to move forward – telling a multi-voice story.
What are some of your hobbies? For hobbies or recreation, I enjoy running, cycling, and participating in ultimate disk match ups. I’m a huge Boston Red Sox fan, but haven’t been able to get to a game in a while. Most of all, I enjoy having a great conversation.
How do you balance work and family life? In our field, work never really does truly stop – it slows down, but never stops (ironic, since our company’s name is Relentless). I make a commitment to be there for both my family and friends, however. It’s not easy, but it’s a responsibility I have accepted.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? The most influential person would probably be my mother. The mantra of “I’m meant for something more” definitely came off on me, as she worked her way through the SUNY system, left to attend Albany Law School, and was able to return to the University at Albany where she serves as Assistant Vice President for Research. Outside of that, my taste in music, my adoration of late night comedy, and the moral platform I live by all has the fingerprints of my mother.
What book are you currently reading? I’m not reading any books, but I’m voracious for news and magazines. The last book I read was “Hardball” by Chris Matthews, which was about the inner workings of Washington politics. Much of the book could be used as a road map for getting out of today’s gridlock both in Albany and in Washington.
What is your favorite quote? “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen,” – Conan O’Brien
Managing Partner
Relentless Awareness
Age: 25
Joe Bonilla is a social entrepreneur, always looking for a way to inspire and connect to the community. Bonilla currently is the managing partner of Relentless Awareness LLC and the 2011 Fuerza Latina Leader of the Year award winner and is active in the Albany community. Bonilla also writes two columns, "Cavalcade" and "Libations" for the Knickerbocker Ledger (in which he co-founded) and serves as a member of the City of Albany's Public, Educational, and Government Oversight Access Board. Bonilla is a co-founder of the Capital Region's Knickerbocker Film Festival held at the Madison Theater. Among his many achievements, Bonilla recently interviewed President Bill Clinton at the University at Albany as part of their World Within Reach Speaker Series.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born In Brooklyn, N.Y. and have lived in Albany for most of my life. I went to St. Teresa’s of Avila School for both elementary and middle school before going to Albany High School.
Tell us a little about your background experience. As an undergraduate, I attended Hudson Valley Community College and Schenectady County Community College before receiving my B.A. in Public Management and Policy from the University at Albany’s Nelson A. Rockefeller College of Public Policy. From leaving high school, I didn’t go straight through education-wise. When I was at HVCC, I was involved in their Student Senate, serving as senior class president and as vice president (eventually managing a $200,000 campus activities budget) in addition to serving as president of both the theater club and WHVC Radio. Between HVCC and UAlbany, I worked on various marketing endeavors, including Bow Tie Cinemas in Schenectady, N.Y. and Image Quilt Productions for their off-Broadway productions before entering UAlbany in 2008. While at UAlbany, I was appointed Director of Albany Student Television, turning the organization around from a two-person operation to a 200-member strong television network owned and operated by students. Later, I was appointed Director of Programming, where my team was responsible for bringing President Bill Clinton, Barbara Walters, and numerous high-profile recording acts to campus.
How did you choose your current career/position? During this same time, I co-founded a company with two high school friends, BASKnickerbocker Inc. Under my leadership, BAS has grown into a Capital Region-based media organization responsible for Albany’s only film festival, the Knickerbocker Film Festival, and one of the Capital Region’s fastest growing news sources, the Knickerbocker Ledger. I’m currently the managing partner for Relentless Awareness, an Albany-based media relations and branding firm based at the historic Washington Avenue Armory in partnership with the Avid Agencies. Along with my business partner Rich Fazio, we’ve amassed a substantial client load that includes elected officials, small businesses, and entertainment operations that include Albany County District Attorney David Soares and Albany City Treasurer Kathy Sheehan.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I’m currently on the advisory board for the Capital Region chapter of the New Leaders Council, a progressive organization that empowers small business opportunities. I’ve previously served as Troop Committee Chair for Boy Scout Troop 149 in Albany and as vice president of the Aurora Foundation of Northeast, Inc.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I would see myself giving counsel to Latino candidates for public office or Latino executives in either the public or private sector. As a communications professional, I think it’s important to reach diverse audiences to achieve success and in particularly with the Latino community, presenting a clearly defined message of where we have been in the Latino community and how we would want to move forward – telling a multi-voice story.
What are some of your hobbies? For hobbies or recreation, I enjoy running, cycling, and participating in ultimate disk match ups. I’m a huge Boston Red Sox fan, but haven’t been able to get to a game in a while. Most of all, I enjoy having a great conversation.
How do you balance work and family life? In our field, work never really does truly stop – it slows down, but never stops (ironic, since our company’s name is Relentless). I make a commitment to be there for both my family and friends, however. It’s not easy, but it’s a responsibility I have accepted.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? The most influential person would probably be my mother. The mantra of “I’m meant for something more” definitely came off on me, as she worked her way through the SUNY system, left to attend Albany Law School, and was able to return to the University at Albany where she serves as Assistant Vice President for Research. Outside of that, my taste in music, my adoration of late night comedy, and the moral platform I live by all has the fingerprints of my mother.
What book are you currently reading? I’m not reading any books, but I’m voracious for news and magazines. The last book I read was “Hardball” by Chris Matthews, which was about the inner workings of Washington politics. Much of the book could be used as a road map for getting out of today’s gridlock both in Albany and in Washington.
What is your favorite quote? “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get, but if you work really hard and you're kind, amazing things will happen,” – Conan O’Brien
Nelson Flores
Marketing Representative
Fidelis Care
Age: 26
Nelson Flores graduated from SUNY Albany in 2008 and started working with Hispanic Outreach Services, a Catholic Chairties organization that served the Hispanic community in the Capital Region for over 40 years and is no longer in existance. In that role, he worked to empower Latinos through education and assisting them connect to needed services. He currently services as Marketing Representative for Fidelis Care and is focused on reaching out to the Latino community to educate them about the importance of healthy lifestyles and other health related resources. His sense of giving back to the community also inspire him to serve on the Planning Team for the YMCA's Latino Youth Conference here in the Capital Region, through that role, he is constantly reaching out to Latino youth to encourage them to stay in school and get involved through participation.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in El Salvador, I have lived in Albany NY for 9 years
Tell us a little about your background experience. I worked at Hispanic Outreach Services for one year and a half. I was site director for Troy, Albany and Schenectady. I worked with low income families providing them with translation services, and advocating for them within the their respective communities. I also ran the youth programs which were comprised of after school tutoring programs, and summer enrichment programs. Another responsibility that I had was providing the Hispanic community with Diabetes education. I worked together with Seton Health and provided bilingual Diabetes classes.
How did you choose your current career/position? I decided to work for Fidelis Care NY because it allowed me to continue working with the community. I wanted a job where I would be able to use my linguistic abilities to assist all those in need and all those that were and currently are under served.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I have always loved helping people out. Community service has always been really important to me. I have volunteered at several agencies like Hispanic Outreach Services, Equinox Youth Shelter, Honest Weight Food Coop, The YMCA’s Latino Youth Conference, Capital District Latino Parade and the Albany LatinFest.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I will continue to help the families around the Capital District and use my linguistic background to provide them the services that they are entitled to.
What are some of your hobbies? Music, percussion, guitar, family, and community service.
How do you balance work and family life? My work is limited, based on the hours. My family comes before anything on this planet and it will always be my priority. It is not hard to keep both of them separated but only become intertwined when necessary.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My grandmother raised me in El Salvador, and even when I was not with her always learned from her. She taught me to give back to our people, to the community and to help others. She has been the reason I keep looking forward and hold my head up high. What I have accomplished I have done it because of her. Of course, with great help from my parents who have also aided in everything that I have accomplished.
What book are you currently reading? El español de américa
What is your favorite quote? Si Dios me obsequiara un trozo de vida, vestiría sencillo, me tiraría de bruces al sol, dejando descubierto, no solamente mi cuerpo, sino mi alma. He aprendido que cuando un recién nacido aprieta con su pequeño puño, por primera vez, el dedo de su padre, lo tiene atrapado por siempre. He aprendido que un hombre sólo tiene derecho a mirar a otro hacia abajo, cuando ha de ayudarle a levantarse. - Gabriel García Márquez
Marketing Representative
Fidelis Care
Age: 26
Nelson Flores graduated from SUNY Albany in 2008 and started working with Hispanic Outreach Services, a Catholic Chairties organization that served the Hispanic community in the Capital Region for over 40 years and is no longer in existance. In that role, he worked to empower Latinos through education and assisting them connect to needed services. He currently services as Marketing Representative for Fidelis Care and is focused on reaching out to the Latino community to educate them about the importance of healthy lifestyles and other health related resources. His sense of giving back to the community also inspire him to serve on the Planning Team for the YMCA's Latino Youth Conference here in the Capital Region, through that role, he is constantly reaching out to Latino youth to encourage them to stay in school and get involved through participation.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in El Salvador, I have lived in Albany NY for 9 years
Tell us a little about your background experience. I worked at Hispanic Outreach Services for one year and a half. I was site director for Troy, Albany and Schenectady. I worked with low income families providing them with translation services, and advocating for them within the their respective communities. I also ran the youth programs which were comprised of after school tutoring programs, and summer enrichment programs. Another responsibility that I had was providing the Hispanic community with Diabetes education. I worked together with Seton Health and provided bilingual Diabetes classes.
How did you choose your current career/position? I decided to work for Fidelis Care NY because it allowed me to continue working with the community. I wanted a job where I would be able to use my linguistic abilities to assist all those in need and all those that were and currently are under served.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I have always loved helping people out. Community service has always been really important to me. I have volunteered at several agencies like Hispanic Outreach Services, Equinox Youth Shelter, Honest Weight Food Coop, The YMCA’s Latino Youth Conference, Capital District Latino Parade and the Albany LatinFest.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I will continue to help the families around the Capital District and use my linguistic background to provide them the services that they are entitled to.
What are some of your hobbies? Music, percussion, guitar, family, and community service.
How do you balance work and family life? My work is limited, based on the hours. My family comes before anything on this planet and it will always be my priority. It is not hard to keep both of them separated but only become intertwined when necessary.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My grandmother raised me in El Salvador, and even when I was not with her always learned from her. She taught me to give back to our people, to the community and to help others. She has been the reason I keep looking forward and hold my head up high. What I have accomplished I have done it because of her. Of course, with great help from my parents who have also aided in everything that I have accomplished.
What book are you currently reading? El español de américa
What is your favorite quote? Si Dios me obsequiara un trozo de vida, vestiría sencillo, me tiraría de bruces al sol, dejando descubierto, no solamente mi cuerpo, sino mi alma. He aprendido que cuando un recién nacido aprieta con su pequeño puño, por primera vez, el dedo de su padre, lo tiene atrapado por siempre. He aprendido que un hombre sólo tiene derecho a mirar a otro hacia abajo, cuando ha de ayudarle a levantarse. - Gabriel García Márquez
Jon Lajas
Teacher
Albany Community Charter School
Age: 24
John Lajas is a Schenectady County Community College Graduate. He is a first Grade Cooperative Teacher at Albany Community Charter School. He is the second teacher in the classroom following a lead teacher who handles the ELA and Math. He teaches Science and Social Studies. His first job was as a Program Assistant at Equinox Inc. He also worked in their Youth Outreach Center which is a drop in center for teens to go after school. He served as Program and Site Director for the Kid’s Improvement District Summer Program also known as KID. For the past four years he has been running a summer school program, with a growing student base every year. John Lajas is one of the team members at Too Deep Entertainment, Too Deep Entertainment is a multi-cultural performing arts group committed to empowering and educating the community, fostering social change, and positively influencing the knowledge, behaviors and attitudes of its audiences.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. I lived in Rockland County as a child and when I was about 11 years old my family moved upstate to Albany. I have been in Albany for 12 years.
Tell us a little about your background experience. After graduating from high school at the age of 17 in 2005, I have been working with children in some capacity. I was a Summer Theater Program Director for the Albany YMCA and then became the Director of my own Summer Day-Camp which I am still running. Three years ago I entered the classroom as a Cooperative Teacher. I currently run a Theater program for elementary school students on Saturdays, which includes teach tap dance and African drumming.
How did you choose your current career/position? I believe that teaching chose me. I have always enjoyed working with children but I never really thought I would end up teaching. I’m glad I made the decision to drop off my resume at the best place in the world, Albany Community Charter School. I enjoy working with young people. As an educator I love helping them grow through positive reinforcement and building relationships.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I am affiliated with a number of community organizations. I work with organiztions, sororities, and fraternities at SUNY Albany and other area colleges. I run a Drama Club at ACCS, I work with the Student Theater Outreach Program also known as STOP, and I do community work and performances with Too Deep Entertainment.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I believe that shaping and defining our future as a Latino community, here in New York state and worldwide, begins with education. Through educating my peers and the youth on our rich history, the struggles that Latinos have overcome in the US and abroad, and how our movement for liberation must continue today. I believe the Latino community will understand our history and therefore our purpose in the future.
What are some of your hobbies? My hobbies include reading and creative writing, drumming, public speaking, debating, and most of all dancing.
How do you balance work and family life? Balancing work and family life has never been a conflict for me. My family supports me as an educator. I love my job and eventually those who I work with take on the role of my family.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? One of the most influential people in my life is my current supervisor. I don’t view him as just a figure of authority; he is a master teacher as well as a wise leader. He provides teachable moments in which I am able to better myself. He continues to push me to the next level. Mr. Currie always approaches things from a positive standpoint regardless of how bleak a situation might be, and that takes a lot of self-discipline.
What book are you currently reading? I am currently reading “The Destruction of Black Civilization” by Chancelor Williams
What is your favorite quote? “History is a clock that people use to tell there political and cultural time of day. It is also a compass that people use to find themselves on the map of human geography. History tells a people where they have been and what they have been, where they are and what they are. Most important, history tells a people where they still must go, what they still must be. The relationship of history to the people is the same as the relationship of a mother to her child.”
Teacher
Albany Community Charter School
Age: 24
John Lajas is a Schenectady County Community College Graduate. He is a first Grade Cooperative Teacher at Albany Community Charter School. He is the second teacher in the classroom following a lead teacher who handles the ELA and Math. He teaches Science and Social Studies. His first job was as a Program Assistant at Equinox Inc. He also worked in their Youth Outreach Center which is a drop in center for teens to go after school. He served as Program and Site Director for the Kid’s Improvement District Summer Program also known as KID. For the past four years he has been running a summer school program, with a growing student base every year. John Lajas is one of the team members at Too Deep Entertainment, Too Deep Entertainment is a multi-cultural performing arts group committed to empowering and educating the community, fostering social change, and positively influencing the knowledge, behaviors and attitudes of its audiences.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. I lived in Rockland County as a child and when I was about 11 years old my family moved upstate to Albany. I have been in Albany for 12 years.
Tell us a little about your background experience. After graduating from high school at the age of 17 in 2005, I have been working with children in some capacity. I was a Summer Theater Program Director for the Albany YMCA and then became the Director of my own Summer Day-Camp which I am still running. Three years ago I entered the classroom as a Cooperative Teacher. I currently run a Theater program for elementary school students on Saturdays, which includes teach tap dance and African drumming.
How did you choose your current career/position? I believe that teaching chose me. I have always enjoyed working with children but I never really thought I would end up teaching. I’m glad I made the decision to drop off my resume at the best place in the world, Albany Community Charter School. I enjoy working with young people. As an educator I love helping them grow through positive reinforcement and building relationships.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I am affiliated with a number of community organizations. I work with organiztions, sororities, and fraternities at SUNY Albany and other area colleges. I run a Drama Club at ACCS, I work with the Student Theater Outreach Program also known as STOP, and I do community work and performances with Too Deep Entertainment.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I believe that shaping and defining our future as a Latino community, here in New York state and worldwide, begins with education. Through educating my peers and the youth on our rich history, the struggles that Latinos have overcome in the US and abroad, and how our movement for liberation must continue today. I believe the Latino community will understand our history and therefore our purpose in the future.
What are some of your hobbies? My hobbies include reading and creative writing, drumming, public speaking, debating, and most of all dancing.
How do you balance work and family life? Balancing work and family life has never been a conflict for me. My family supports me as an educator. I love my job and eventually those who I work with take on the role of my family.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? One of the most influential people in my life is my current supervisor. I don’t view him as just a figure of authority; he is a master teacher as well as a wise leader. He provides teachable moments in which I am able to better myself. He continues to push me to the next level. Mr. Currie always approaches things from a positive standpoint regardless of how bleak a situation might be, and that takes a lot of self-discipline.
What book are you currently reading? I am currently reading “The Destruction of Black Civilization” by Chancelor Williams
What is your favorite quote? “History is a clock that people use to tell there political and cultural time of day. It is also a compass that people use to find themselves on the map of human geography. History tells a people where they have been and what they have been, where they are and what they are. Most important, history tells a people where they still must go, what they still must be. The relationship of history to the people is the same as the relationship of a mother to her child.”
Israel V. Powell
Student
Rochester Institute of Technology
Age: 21
In an independent effort Israel V. Powell coordinated by gathering alumni’s from Troy High School and speaking to teachers that would allow them to speak to juniors and seniors as their peers. He felt it was important that juniors and seniors understood the realities of attending college and career chooses they would need to make. Speaking to them on how to prepare before graduating; also what to and not to do once they got to the college campus. Speaking about how chooses will determine their future.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born and raised in Troy, NY. I currently reside in Rochester, NY Where I am attending Rochester Institute of Technology pursuing a degree in chemical Engineering.
Tell us a little about your background experience. My background experience is in the field of engineering. The best part is the thought process that is given when pursuing this career. Anyone can be an engineer, you just have the right mindset of making the most logical decision to benefit all mankind and move us forward.
How did you choose your current career/position? In high school I excelled in math and sciences which led me to join the National Society of Black Engineers pre college initiative program. This solidified my interest in the field, in college I was able to explore many different varieties of engineering but chemical engineering intrigued me the most. With the cooperative education program at RIT, it helps to get that hands on experience.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I am a member of open ministries, the American institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) and a alumni of 15Love to just name a few.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? The key to the brightest future in this world is proper education; in order to accomplish this you must develop a passion for learning. My goal is instill this passion into up and coming high school students that will soon enter college. With this education they can always push forward and excel to make difference in this world.
What are some of your hobbies? Going to a technical school it is no surprise I am a nerd. My hobbies include comics, movies or playing video games. I often spend a lot of downtime at gym playing many miscellaneous intramural activities that can range from soccer to broomball.
How do you balance work and family life? being that I am in college my family very understands of how busy you can be. The key is budgeting you time and not wasting or misusing it. My parents will always get phone call at least once a week to help calm their worries.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My big brother, Robert Powell IV has impacted my life most. He played a great role model growing up by guiding me on this journey through life.
What book are you currently reading? I hate to admit it but most reading I do is in textbooks. I am very interested in philosophy so I end up reading papers and experts of books written by a variety of philosophers to gain new perspectives.
What is your favorite quote? I have to pick a philosophy quote and classic one at that: “I think therefore I am” -Rene Descartes
Student
Rochester Institute of Technology
Age: 21
In an independent effort Israel V. Powell coordinated by gathering alumni’s from Troy High School and speaking to teachers that would allow them to speak to juniors and seniors as their peers. He felt it was important that juniors and seniors understood the realities of attending college and career chooses they would need to make. Speaking to them on how to prepare before graduating; also what to and not to do once they got to the college campus. Speaking about how chooses will determine their future.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born and raised in Troy, NY. I currently reside in Rochester, NY Where I am attending Rochester Institute of Technology pursuing a degree in chemical Engineering.
Tell us a little about your background experience. My background experience is in the field of engineering. The best part is the thought process that is given when pursuing this career. Anyone can be an engineer, you just have the right mindset of making the most logical decision to benefit all mankind and move us forward.
How did you choose your current career/position? In high school I excelled in math and sciences which led me to join the National Society of Black Engineers pre college initiative program. This solidified my interest in the field, in college I was able to explore many different varieties of engineering but chemical engineering intrigued me the most. With the cooperative education program at RIT, it helps to get that hands on experience.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I am a member of open ministries, the American institute of Chemical Engineers (AICHE) and a alumni of 15Love to just name a few.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? The key to the brightest future in this world is proper education; in order to accomplish this you must develop a passion for learning. My goal is instill this passion into up and coming high school students that will soon enter college. With this education they can always push forward and excel to make difference in this world.
What are some of your hobbies? Going to a technical school it is no surprise I am a nerd. My hobbies include comics, movies or playing video games. I often spend a lot of downtime at gym playing many miscellaneous intramural activities that can range from soccer to broomball.
How do you balance work and family life? being that I am in college my family very understands of how busy you can be. The key is budgeting you time and not wasting or misusing it. My parents will always get phone call at least once a week to help calm their worries.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My big brother, Robert Powell IV has impacted my life most. He played a great role model growing up by guiding me on this journey through life.
What book are you currently reading? I hate to admit it but most reading I do is in textbooks. I am very interested in philosophy so I end up reading papers and experts of books written by a variety of philosophers to gain new perspectives.
What is your favorite quote? I have to pick a philosophy quote and classic one at that: “I think therefore I am” -Rene Descartes
Victor Reyes
Executive Director
Social Justice
Age: 37
Victorio Reyes is an activist and artist. He has been Executive Director of The Social Justice Center of Albany (SJC) for more than 6 years. Reyes is a poet, musician and author. Victorio is a published author who has written a book of political poetry and had two poem published in anthologies. He is a musician who has released two albums with Broadcast Live, a political hip hop group, each album hit the top 40 of the CMJ Hip Hop charts. He is also a seasoned political activist who has led many successfull grassroots campaign. Victorio is a co-founder of the Harry Tubman Free School and has long been active in the issue of democratic education. He is one of the founders and core organizer for The New York State Prisoner Justice Network; which started as an idea thought up by a handful of activists at the SJC and has turned into a statewide network representing over sixty organizations.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Binghamton, NY. My father was the President of the Latin American Student Union at the University of Binghamton and my mother was a member of the Puerto Rico Solidarity Committee at the University as well. I moved to Albany in 1996 to be close to my father after he was diagnosed with Cancer, he moved up here when I was a kid.
Tell us a little about your background experience. I’m a poet, activist, father and Musician. I was born into an activist family. My parents were involved in Latin American issues included Puerto Rican Independence and the Central American Solidarity Movement. When I went to college I became involved with La Union Latina at Adelphi Univeristy. After college I joined a group called the Rebel Poets, and activist poetry group. At that time I travelled to Chiapas, Mexico with an organization called Estacion Libre, an organization whose mission is to draw links between people of color in the United States and the Zapatista struggle in Mexico. Later on I joined the Hip Hop Group Broadcast Live; our most recent album, Boomerang Metropolis, reached #24 on the College Music Journal Hip Hop Charts.
How did you choose your current career/position? I became director of the Social Justice Center in 2004. I attended my first meeting at the Social Justice Center when I was twelve when my father was participating in a Central American Solidarity Meeting. As soon as the postion of Director opened up at The Social Justice Center, I knew I wanted the job. It is a rare opportunity to be able to do the work I love and get paid to do it.
What are your civic/community affiliations? In addition to the Social Justice Center, I’m involved heavily in the community. I’ve been a supporter and participant in the Occupy Movement. I also helped initiate the New York State Prisoner Justice Network, a network created for the purpose of unifying individuals and organizations across the state to challenge Mass Incarceration on the state level. I was recognized for the work by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I see myself helping shape the Latino future in our state in two ways. First I intend to challenge the system of Mass Incarceration in New York State, which is an issue that affects Latino’s deeply. Two I intend to continue to create poetry and music that reflects my experiences as a radical person of color in general and a Latino in particular.
What are some of your hobbies? I’m a poet, I wouldn’t call this a hobby but it is something that I do in addition to all of the community organizing I do. I’m currently attending Vermont College of Fine Arts and pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
How do you balance work and family life? It’s challenging. I try to give as much attentions to my two sons as possible. I believe that is important for me to raise them in a loving nurturing environment so they can have a life that’s looks a little different than the one I grew up with. All of my families appreciate the work I do and I try to make my work and my family life connect in a way that I’m never completely disconnecte from either.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My mother. She raised me basically on her own. She was a white woman raising a Puerto Rican boy in Binghamton, NY. She was able to provide me with the cultural understanding of myself that I needed to become the person I am today. She accomplished this despite how ill-equipped she was.
What book are you currently reading? Decoded by Jay-Z. I’m reading this as I look at the intersection between traditional poetry and Hip Hop.
What is your favorite quote? “No matter how far you’ve travelled down the wrong path, turn back.”
Executive Director
Social Justice
Age: 37
Victorio Reyes is an activist and artist. He has been Executive Director of The Social Justice Center of Albany (SJC) for more than 6 years. Reyes is a poet, musician and author. Victorio is a published author who has written a book of political poetry and had two poem published in anthologies. He is a musician who has released two albums with Broadcast Live, a political hip hop group, each album hit the top 40 of the CMJ Hip Hop charts. He is also a seasoned political activist who has led many successfull grassroots campaign. Victorio is a co-founder of the Harry Tubman Free School and has long been active in the issue of democratic education. He is one of the founders and core organizer for The New York State Prisoner Justice Network; which started as an idea thought up by a handful of activists at the SJC and has turned into a statewide network representing over sixty organizations.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Binghamton, NY. My father was the President of the Latin American Student Union at the University of Binghamton and my mother was a member of the Puerto Rico Solidarity Committee at the University as well. I moved to Albany in 1996 to be close to my father after he was diagnosed with Cancer, he moved up here when I was a kid.
Tell us a little about your background experience. I’m a poet, activist, father and Musician. I was born into an activist family. My parents were involved in Latin American issues included Puerto Rican Independence and the Central American Solidarity Movement. When I went to college I became involved with La Union Latina at Adelphi Univeristy. After college I joined a group called the Rebel Poets, and activist poetry group. At that time I travelled to Chiapas, Mexico with an organization called Estacion Libre, an organization whose mission is to draw links between people of color in the United States and the Zapatista struggle in Mexico. Later on I joined the Hip Hop Group Broadcast Live; our most recent album, Boomerang Metropolis, reached #24 on the College Music Journal Hip Hop Charts.
How did you choose your current career/position? I became director of the Social Justice Center in 2004. I attended my first meeting at the Social Justice Center when I was twelve when my father was participating in a Central American Solidarity Meeting. As soon as the postion of Director opened up at The Social Justice Center, I knew I wanted the job. It is a rare opportunity to be able to do the work I love and get paid to do it.
What are your civic/community affiliations? In addition to the Social Justice Center, I’m involved heavily in the community. I’ve been a supporter and participant in the Occupy Movement. I also helped initiate the New York State Prisoner Justice Network, a network created for the purpose of unifying individuals and organizations across the state to challenge Mass Incarceration on the state level. I was recognized for the work by the Capital Region Chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union.
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? I see myself helping shape the Latino future in our state in two ways. First I intend to challenge the system of Mass Incarceration in New York State, which is an issue that affects Latino’s deeply. Two I intend to continue to create poetry and music that reflects my experiences as a radical person of color in general and a Latino in particular.
What are some of your hobbies? I’m a poet, I wouldn’t call this a hobby but it is something that I do in addition to all of the community organizing I do. I’m currently attending Vermont College of Fine Arts and pursuing a Masters of Fine Arts in Creative Writing.
How do you balance work and family life? It’s challenging. I try to give as much attentions to my two sons as possible. I believe that is important for me to raise them in a loving nurturing environment so they can have a life that’s looks a little different than the one I grew up with. All of my families appreciate the work I do and I try to make my work and my family life connect in a way that I’m never completely disconnecte from either.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My mother. She raised me basically on her own. She was a white woman raising a Puerto Rican boy in Binghamton, NY. She was able to provide me with the cultural understanding of myself that I needed to become the person I am today. She accomplished this despite how ill-equipped she was.
What book are you currently reading? Decoded by Jay-Z. I’m reading this as I look at the intersection between traditional poetry and Hip Hop.
What is your favorite quote? “No matter how far you’ve travelled down the wrong path, turn back.”
Antonius "Tony" Rivera
Assistant Director of Admissions/Coordinator of Multiculural Recruitment
Siena College
Age: 33
Tony Rivera is far more than an admission officer at Siena College. His skills, talents, and community involvement have benefited many in the Capital Region Latino community. His commitment to increasing diversity enrollment at Siena College, a nationally-ranked (#112), co-educational liberal arts college located in Loudonville, NY has not gone unnoticed. Since joining Siena College in the summer of 2008, the college has realized a high watermark in diversity enrollment for new incoming freshmen, particularly Hispanic first-generation students. For the Siena Class of 2015, more than 18.5% of the incoming freshmen are classified as belonging to an underrepresented group. His tireless effort have helped make Hispanic students the largest underrepresented group on campus, doubling the number of African-American and Asian students. His vision has helped propel the admission standards at Siena towards becoming a more heterogeneous campus to match its 75 year academic tradition.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Brooklyn, NY. I have lived in the capital region since 2006
Tell us a little about your background experience. I am currently the Assistant Director of Admissions and the Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment at Siena College. I have been at Siena since 2008. I have over nine years of experience in higher education, having held leadership positions at Paul Smith’s College (PSC) and the State University of New York, Institute of Technology (SUNYIT). As a Resident Assistant, Special Programs Assistant, and Assistant Women’s Basketball coach at SUNYIT.
How did you choose your current career/position? After working in Corporate America as a sales representative for two fortune 500 companies, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, I realized that this wasn’t my niche. I decided to return to the higher education arena. When Siena was advertising the job of Assistant Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Multicultural recruitment and the opportunity to recruit the NYC\Westchester county area, I quickly applied. The rest is history.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I was recently appointed as chair person for the 2012 Latino Youth Conference. I am currently a member of “the board of advisors” at the North Albany YMCA .
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? Through my role as assistant director of admissions at Siena College, I will continue to promote the importance of obtaining a college education. In addition, my partnership with the YMCA and as a committee member of the Latino Youth Conference, I hope to continue to provide a place where the capital region youth will have the opportunity to attend gain valuable information from successful latino(s) in their communities.
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy playing basketball, fishing, watching movies, and entertaining friends.
How do you balance work and family life? I must admit, I still struggle in this department, with a 10 month old baby boy, I try to prioritize my time and work efficiently at work, so that I may have more time at home with him.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My influential person in my life is my mentor, Michael Arterberry. Mike and I have been friends since I was 16 years old. He was my independent coordinator when I was in the foster care\group home system. I credit him for teaching me how to go grocery shopping, learn about the importance of credit and all the skills a parent would teach their child before sending them off into the real world. In my case, he helped me prepare for my departure from the foster care\group home system.
What book are you currently reading? The Hunger Games
What is your favorite quote? If given a chance, you can enhance ( My own personal mantra).
Assistant Director of Admissions/Coordinator of Multiculural Recruitment
Siena College
Age: 33
Tony Rivera is far more than an admission officer at Siena College. His skills, talents, and community involvement have benefited many in the Capital Region Latino community. His commitment to increasing diversity enrollment at Siena College, a nationally-ranked (#112), co-educational liberal arts college located in Loudonville, NY has not gone unnoticed. Since joining Siena College in the summer of 2008, the college has realized a high watermark in diversity enrollment for new incoming freshmen, particularly Hispanic first-generation students. For the Siena Class of 2015, more than 18.5% of the incoming freshmen are classified as belonging to an underrepresented group. His tireless effort have helped make Hispanic students the largest underrepresented group on campus, doubling the number of African-American and Asian students. His vision has helped propel the admission standards at Siena towards becoming a more heterogeneous campus to match its 75 year academic tradition.
Where were you born and how long have you lived in your current region? I was born in Brooklyn, NY. I have lived in the capital region since 2006
Tell us a little about your background experience. I am currently the Assistant Director of Admissions and the Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment at Siena College. I have been at Siena since 2008. I have over nine years of experience in higher education, having held leadership positions at Paul Smith’s College (PSC) and the State University of New York, Institute of Technology (SUNYIT). As a Resident Assistant, Special Programs Assistant, and Assistant Women’s Basketball coach at SUNYIT.
How did you choose your current career/position? After working in Corporate America as a sales representative for two fortune 500 companies, Liberty Mutual Insurance and Enterprise Rent-A-Car, I realized that this wasn’t my niche. I decided to return to the higher education arena. When Siena was advertising the job of Assistant Director of Admissions and Coordinator of Multicultural recruitment and the opportunity to recruit the NYC\Westchester county area, I quickly applied. The rest is history.
What are your civic/community affiliations? I was recently appointed as chair person for the 2012 Latino Youth Conference. I am currently a member of “the board of advisors” at the North Albany YMCA .
How do you see yourself helping shape and define the Latino future in NYS? Through my role as assistant director of admissions at Siena College, I will continue to promote the importance of obtaining a college education. In addition, my partnership with the YMCA and as a committee member of the Latino Youth Conference, I hope to continue to provide a place where the capital region youth will have the opportunity to attend gain valuable information from successful latino(s) in their communities.
What are some of your hobbies? I enjoy playing basketball, fishing, watching movies, and entertaining friends.
How do you balance work and family life? I must admit, I still struggle in this department, with a 10 month old baby boy, I try to prioritize my time and work efficiently at work, so that I may have more time at home with him.
Who has been the most influential person in your life and why? My influential person in my life is my mentor, Michael Arterberry. Mike and I have been friends since I was 16 years old. He was my independent coordinator when I was in the foster care\group home system. I credit him for teaching me how to go grocery shopping, learn about the importance of credit and all the skills a parent would teach their child before sending them off into the real world. In my case, he helped me prepare for my departure from the foster care\group home system.
What book are you currently reading? The Hunger Games
What is your favorite quote? If given a chance, you can enhance ( My own personal mantra).
Joshua Santana
Student
Schenectady County Community College
Age: 26
Courage, strength and determination. That is how I can describe Joshua. He organized an event in late 2012 to Celebrate the life of his girlfriend who died in a tragic accident. Many of us would not be able to do something like that especially during a time of such sorrow. Joshua found the courage to do it and the turnout was amazing! His event was covered by local media and was well attended by the community. The oldest of three, he was raised in foster care and at the age of eight his mother regained custody. Living in the projects was not easy wiht drugs and violence all around. At the age of 13 he was again living in foster care. It was here at this time when Joshua began speaking at Youth4Progress; a youth empowerment program at Northeast Parent & Child Society. The experience helped Joshua discover his passion for art. After so hearing so many people's stories Joshua began to really see people, not their insecurities, but who they are on the inside. He wants to bring people's full potential out and give them experiences in their life that they never had.
Student
Schenectady County Community College
Age: 26
Courage, strength and determination. That is how I can describe Joshua. He organized an event in late 2012 to Celebrate the life of his girlfriend who died in a tragic accident. Many of us would not be able to do something like that especially during a time of such sorrow. Joshua found the courage to do it and the turnout was amazing! His event was covered by local media and was well attended by the community. The oldest of three, he was raised in foster care and at the age of eight his mother regained custody. Living in the projects was not easy wiht drugs and violence all around. At the age of 13 he was again living in foster care. It was here at this time when Joshua began speaking at Youth4Progress; a youth empowerment program at Northeast Parent & Child Society. The experience helped Joshua discover his passion for art. After so hearing so many people's stories Joshua began to really see people, not their insecurities, but who they are on the inside. He wants to bring people's full potential out and give them experiences in their life that they never had.
