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.
Category Archives: Leadership
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.
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 …
Continue reading “From Pauma Valley to Dodger Stadium: A Personal Journey Through Fernandomania”
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.
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 …
Continue reading “Oranges, Avocados, and Childhood Memories: A Glimpse into Life in the Mid-1980s”
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 …
Continue reading “Slice of the 80s: My Unforgettable Encounter with Square Pan Pizza”
From Fresh Popcorn to Golden Corvettes: Reliving My First NCAA College Football Game in 1985 with OJ Simpson.
“It was the sight of a radiant golden Corvette next to the tunnel that leads into the field that stole the show, glistening under the Californian sun, its license plate boldly declaring “JUICE.”
The Nod That Changed Everything: From Imposter to CEO
Transform imposter syndrome into ambition, realizing that fears and insecurities can be powerful motivators in achieving goals.
Robert Larios 