“My life purpose is to hold and create space for people to discover and experience who they fully are."
Pronouns:He/Him
Work Title (s) :Arts & Culture Manager at Latino Network
Favorite Quote: "Whoever you are, I have always depended on the kindness of strangers." Blanche DuBois, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams
Who is Joaquin? I'm this guy who's been trying to find his place in the world. Most of my life I've longed to belong and always wondered how other people did it. I've worn many hats: running a restaurant with my family; being a caterer; producing cultural arts events; teaching music; and being a performing artist. I feel people resonate with the creative work I do. It has led me to my current position at Latino Network where I continue to develop my talents as a producer creating events and projects that have positive cultural impacts that author an empowered Latino narrative in the community; I also have the fortune of creating and supporting programs for youth and families that nurture Latino cultural identity.
A clear sense of self is the most important thing to me. For my life both professionally and personally, I believe in having clear realistic goals that challenge me; healthy and flexible boundaries that allow me to adjust and be steady; and expectations for myself and others that are positive and down to earth.
My life purpose is to hold and create space for people to discover and experience who they fully are.
Did you attend college? If so, how did that impact your life? I graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Southern Oregon University in 1998. I received the Under-represented Minority Achievement Scholarship from the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement. Initially, I had no intention of going to college. But, I applied for the scholarship anyway and I got accepted. I ended up going to SOU in Ashland. Little did I know that the Oregon Shakespeare Festival was there. I had the fortune of working there for one season when I was 19 years old. A great experience for a young kid.
Currently, I'm pursuing a Masters in Counseling at Portland State University. I had a mid-life crisis. I realized something. It's cool living the bohemian life: you're popular, always having fun, surrounded by creativity, always invited to participate in things, and everyone admires you. There was a time in my life where my ego needed that. Unbeknownst to all, living the bohemian life came with an expense: I have no savings, I live paycheck to paycheck, I don't make good financial decisions, and I don't have the mobility many of my friends and colleagues do cause I didn't buckle down and grow my wealth. Returning to school is offering me a chance to develop a stable career that I can immerse myself into, grow, and develop financial stability.
What has been the biggest challenge you have had to overcome? My inferiority complex. I assume I am not good enough and act accordingly. I am always managing it.
What is the one thing you are working on daily? My eating habits! I want to eat everything.
One piece of advice you wish someone would have given you during college or professional career? Take intro to business courses. Learn how to manage your finances and invest. The earlier the better.
What is your favorite kind of coffee? I love French press coffee with heavy cream!
En Solidaridad,
Araceli
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