Name / Nombre : Tony Morejon Title / Titulo : Hispanic Affairs Liaison Company / Compañia ? Hillsborough County What is your Pais ? Cuban descent
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : How did you get started in your career or profession ? Tony Morejon : I had my first social work experience when I was in elementary school . I lived in the Bronx and on the way home met a viejito who was lost and confused . I brought him to my home and my parents helped him . I later began as a social worker for the State of Florida . Soon afterwards began to work for the county and became involved in Latino issues . That was over 25 years ago .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : Tell us about your familia : Tony Morejon : I am very lucky mi familia is awesome they are truly amazing and supportive . Whenever I do anything they are always at my side . I have a brother two sisters , three sons , nephews and nieces and we are very close . My beautiful mom is who ties us together .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : Who ( here or departed ) do you consider to be a role model in the Latino Community , and why ? Tony Morejon : I have to say Ray Fernandez , he was a pioneer in Hispanic rights , back when no one was doing or saying anything for Latinos here in Tampa . He was a role model and a true believer .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : What are your immediate and / or long term professional goals ? Tony Morejon : This is my home and I want to listen and speak up to assure that our community is a great one for my children and grandchildren to inherit . My goal is to make Hillsborough County a great community for my familia and yours .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : Are you involved in any community organizations ? If yes – which ones ? Tony Morejon : I am involved in many Latino organizations such as the Sheriff ’ s Hispanic Advisory Council . However , I think it ’ s equally important to get involved in other organizations that don ’ t have Latinos in order to represent our community and assure that our people participate .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : What was the biggest challenge that you have encountered in life and how did you overcome it ? Tony Morejon : About 16 years ago I fought with my boss ( at that time ) and pushed to keep our office open . They had offered me to keep a job but I didn ’ t back down and took it to the max and successfully kept our office in County government . Most people thought I would be fired . I didn ’ t back down , our community back then as well as now deserves representation . Another challenge is the loss of my friend and colleague Olga Mendoza due to County budget cuts she is simply incredible and very much needed by our community .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : Which Latina or Latino would you think could run for President of the United States – and win ? Tony Morejon : Jolie Gonzalez of Course !
Name / Nombre : Al Piña Title / Titulo : Chair Company / Compañia ? Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition What is your Pais ? Mexican - American
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : How did you get started in your career or profession ? Al Piña : Prior to my work in economics of Urban Redevelopment , I worked for two of the largest corporations in the world . Then I became very ill and had to have a major surgery to stop the development of cancer . While on the operating table , I prayed to God and asked for help and if my life was spared that I would change my life . The surgery went well and during my rehabilitation , I decided that I could no longer focus on making money but wanted to give back to society . During my rehab , my time was spent at my mothers in the barrio and I saw the decaying of our communities so I decided to dedicate my work towards the revitalization of distressed communities . Soon after , I was called to Washington D . C . to help with the development of the first national Latino Community Development Fund . The rest is history .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : Who ( here or departed ) do you consider to be a role model in the Latino community , and why ? Al Piña : Being Mexican American , without doubt Cesar Chavez . I was mentored by disciples of Cesar Chavez so I got to know the greatness of this American . He fought for justice of the farm workers but it impacted all Latinos in the Western United States . His hunger strike of 24 days against the discrimination by the farmers changed the course for millions of Latinos forever .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : What are your immediate and / or long term professional goals ? Al Piña : I came from California six years ago to spread an economic model of access and inclusion for minority families , businesses and organizations in Florida and will not leave until this happens . Minorities in Florida account for over 40 % of the population but only account for fewer than 5 % of the GDP of Florida . This is an economic trend that hurts the entire state of Florida and our country . Minority families must become a stronger economic force for our country to excel in the global economy .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : Are you involved in any community organizations ? If yes – which ones ? Al Piña : As Chair of the Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition , I work with over 100 Florida minority organizations . Our goal is to organize Florida minority organizations to become a voice of change .
Jolie Gonzalez / Latin Times : What advice would you give to young Latinos about pursuing their goals ? Al Piña : Have the moral courage to stand your ground for your principals . For once you begin to compromise your principals it will begin to decay the very fiber of who you are . I have a saying ...” if you don ’ t know what is best for you , don ’ t worry … someone else will ” -Think about yourself and don ’ t give in to a groups ’ way of thinking just to be accepted . Have the moral courage to build a stronger and more just community .