Growing up in Los Angeles, José began to recognize in high school that very few of his Latino peers participated in rigorous coursework, extracurricular activities, and community service. With the support of his mother, whom he credits for his passion and drive, José received a wrestling scholarship to Brigham Young University where he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Spanish, a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, and finally a PhD in Educational Leadership.

As a teacher, and later an administrator, José saw again what he’d started to notice as a student in Los Angeles: Latino youth were disengaged and disenfranchised at school. In addition, they often shunned their cultural heritage, which he believes is at the heart of every Latino youth’s drive to excel. This gap kept students, who could offer the classroom and community a wealth of knowledge, experience, and unique perspectives, from graduating high school and college. In effect, this phenomenon kept students from reaching their potential.

José recognized the barriers these young Latinos faced within their own homes and communities. He saw himself in these students and reflected on the opportunities, experiences, and mentors that had allowed him— a low-income, non-English-speaking immigrant— to succeed.

The combination of these experiences and reflections led José to begin the Latinos in Action program.