I’m a single father and community advocate. I’m a professional Mariachi musician and I’m the Chairman of the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee. I’m passionate about my family, music and my community.
Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.
I’m the youngest of 4 boys…We grew up in the North Valley…My father is a retired Chief Master Sergeant and my late mother was the ultimate team mom and original boss lady. My brothers were all exceptional athletes and are now all excelling in their respective careers.
Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?
I’ve held many hats…I’d say the highlights were I helped create the first standard’s based district Mariachi program in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas NV. That program has continued to excel and is modeled in school districts all over the nation. The winds of change took me in a completely different direction and I wound up working for the number 1 Dodge store in the country! This was a boot camp for sales that would shape me professionally. I now work in Real Estate, perform as a professional Mariachi musician and I’m the Chairman of the New Mexico Hispanic Heritage Committee. What I love about what I do is that I love to interact and help people in some way and serve my community. Whether it’s singing for people for their special occasions or promoting and preserving our beautiful Hispanic culture, I love to help and serve our community.
Q: Who inspires you to be better?
My late mother and my two kids, Celia and Orlando. Jr. My mom was my best friend and is the cornerstone of who I am. I live to try and make her proud and not conform to what others may think of what is best for me. To live my own life and be an overall good person. I live for my kids. I work hard to ensure they have every opportunity available to them so they have options in life to do whatever they are passionate about.
Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?
After living in Las Vegas, NV for 13 years, I came back home in December of 2014. It was the best decision for my kids and I and we have loved it ever since.
Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?
Without a doubt, our State Auditor, Brian Colon. I have never met a public figure as genuine as him and he has inspired me to be more involved in our community. Our family is proud to consider him a part of our family.
Q: What advice would you give to people?
Be the change you want to see in our community! It’s easy to play the blame game and point fingers. Roll up your sleeves and make a difference! Start off with being a good parent or a good member of society. It starts with you!
Q: What is something on your bucket list?
Two things…Take my Dad to Washington, D.C. because he’s never been and to see Andrea Bocelli perform in Italy. After that, I’ll have more!
Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?
Some know, but some don’t but I was on a reality tv show when I was in Las Vegas which is where I got the nickname the Versace Mariachi.
