Fifty years ago, my parents carried me across the border as a one-year-old. A stranger’s kindness on a highway changed everything. On America’s 250th birthday, this is a story of belonging, gratitude, and what it means to become American.
Author Archives: Robert Larios
She Was Closer to God Than I Was
A Juneteenth Reflection on Carrie Adelia Gabriel Today is Juneteenth. I have been sitting with that all morning, because there is one story I cannot separate from this date, and it belongs to a woman named Carrie Adelia Gabriel. I never met Fred Rogers. I wish I had. He has been one of my mentors …
Robert Larios – CEO Bio
At one year old, my parents carried me across the Mexican American border with nothing but hope and the clothes on their backs. I grew up the son of farmworkers on an avocado and citrus farm in Southern California and eventually became President and CEO of one of the nation’s largest public sector employee associations. This is the story of how a Mexican immigrant and first generation American turned struggle into strength and rose from the fields to the CEO seat.Along the way, I share lessons on resilience, leadership, faith and the power of education that speak to immigrants, founders and leaders everywhere.
They Died for Someone They Didn’t Know. That Someone was Me. And for Many of You.
On Memorial Day, Robert Larios, President and CEO of the Employees Club of California and son of Mexican immigrants, reflects on the known and unknown American war dead who sacrificed everything for a country he was still trying to become a legal part of. Drawing from a deeply personal visit to the USS Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, Larios weaves together the stories of those who shaped his American journey… a World War II Purple Heart veteran, a submarine sailor turned mentor, and the nameless soldiers whose marble headstones read “known but to God.” A meditation on remembrance, gratitude, and grief from one of California’s most distinctive voices on service, sacrifice, and the immigrant American experience.
The President Who Gave My Family a Chance: Ronald Reagan, Immigration, and the American Dream
A President’s Day Reflection Today is President’s Day, and while most people are enjoying a three-day weekend, I’m thinking about a president who changed my life forever. Not through a tweet, a press conference, or a political slogan. But through an act of moral courage that gave millions of people—including me and my parents—the chance …
From Pauma Valley to Dodger Stadium: A Personal Journey Through Fernandomania
In the vibrant tapestry of baseball’s history, few threads shine as brightly for me as that of Fernando Valenzuela. I remember vividly the phenomenon known as “Fernandomania” that began in 1981—a time when Los Angeles and its diverse communities fell under the spell of a young pitcher whose brilliance transcended the sport. As a young …
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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month: Traditions, Contributions, and Future Visions
Hispanic Heritage Month offers a profound opportunity to celebrate the rich tapestry of traditions and contributions from Hispanic communities. This time of reflection and celebration allows us to honor the cultural relevance of Hispanic heritage through vibrant festivities and personal stories. From gathering with family over traditional dishes to advocating for community events that highlight Hispanic achievements, the month is filled with both personal and professional celebrations. Looking ahead, there is a vision for evolving these festivities to foster greater cultural exchange and recognition of Hispanic contributions. By weaving these stories into the broader cultural fabric, we ensure that Hispanic Heritage Month remains a dynamic and influential celebration for generations to come.
Riding Through Time: A 10th Grader’s Journey on Highway 76 in 1990
In the spring of 1990, as a 10th grader, I embarked on serene bus rides from Pauma Valley, a time for reflection amidst untouched landscapes. Fast forward to today, Highway 76 buzzes with activity, transforming from tranquil stretches to lively scenes due to flourishing casinos. Among these memories, one Saturday stands out—the day of my first driver’s education class, marked by anticipation and the calming presence of Mr. Thompson. His simple wisdom, “Everyone’s a beginner once,” eased my nerves, leaving a lasting impression.
Oranges, Avocados, and Childhood Memories: A Glimpse into Life in the Mid-1980s
Bathed in the soft light of dawn back in the ’80s, say ’84 or thereabouts, my school day routines were etched into the framework of simpler times. Around 7:15 each morning, I’d step out from the quaint ranch house we called home, my dad toiling away as a hand on the Maynard’s majestic orchards. My …
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Slice of the 80s: My Unforgettable Encounter with Square Pan Pizza
Picture it, the early 1980s. Let’s say between 1980 and 1982, because my memories from this time are like old photographs – a bit blurry and faded, but still precious. I was a young sprout, no older than seven. One of my first vivid recollections is stepping into a pizza restaurant, Square Pan Pizza, to …
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Robert Larios 