This Wednesday brings to a close the celebration of Hispanic Heritage month. We’ve blogged before on the unique opportunities, perspectives and challenges faced by LGBT Hispanics, such as Ivette’s recent posts on Hispanic celebrities supporting our community and HIV rates among Hispanic males.
Recently, we were able to conduct a Q&A with our current client Modesto “Tico” Valle of the Center on Halsted, Chicago’s premier LGBT community center. As one of the only Hispanic executive directors of LGBT centers in the country – and the first to head a major LGBT center in the U.S. – Tico has a unique view on bringing together diverse communities, while serving as a successful role model in Chicago’s LGBT, Hispanic and Latino, and business communities.
As in previous Q&As, we’ve broken this post into two parts: today, Tico will talk about his history and career path that has led to his leadership position today at the Center. Tomorrow, we’ll switch and focus on the role communications, both traditional and digital, are playing in the Center’s prominence in Chicago. For more information about Tico and the Center on Halsted, please visit their Web site at www.centeronhalsted.org.
Bryan: You have a long history in Chicago and with the Center on Halsted – back when it was called Horizons. How have things changed at the Center since you first began working at Horizons more than six years ago?
Tico: To say we’ve grown doesn’t fully capture the expanded services, size and support the Center’s seen in the past six years. We have enhanced our existing social service programs, expanded our client capacity, and hired more Spanish-speaking staff. Some of the new programs we’ve added include our Community Cultural initiative, the Community Technology Center, HIV Testing & Prevention Services, recreation programs and employment support for our youth. We’re now serving about 1,500 people who visit the Center daily, so our new, diversified programs and support staff better meet the needs of our visitor base. Our staff feeds off each other’s efforts and we enjoy the focused, generous support from our community.
Bryan: Well, being one of the only Hispanic executive directors of an LGBT community center definitely is quite the accomplishment. However, I’m sure being a gay Hispanic male presented and still can provide both opportunities and potential challenges. How have you addressed being a "double-minority" (racial and sexual) in your career path?
Tico: For me, challenges are just hidden opportunities – opportunities to ask for help, collaborate with others, and discover an individuality that sets you apart. I see uniqueness in my “double-minority” status, and choose to use it to positively achieve change and collaboration within our community. It has enabled me to be a voice for more than one marginalized community, while setting an example that clearly shows both people of color and LGBT individuals what is possible with hard work, education and determination.
Bryan: Well, you clearly are setting that bar high. Could you elaborate on the key learnings you’ve taken from your experiences that possibly provide you greater insight into being a better community resource for Chicago LGBT and Hispanic communities?
Tico: I have always believed in the power of mentorship. The ability to guide and educate another person in personal and professional matters ultimately builds stronger, healthier communities. Mentorship provides a safe place for learning between generations and really builds interpersonal skills essential for success in life and business. It also is a corner stone for responsive leadership – the ability to listen, learn and act for the better.
Bryan: Thanks, Tico. I’m looking forward to seeing how these personal lessons and perspectives have shaped the communications outreach and activities at the Center.
Come back tomorrow for the second part of our Q&A with Tico Valle of the Center on Halsted.
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