Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmanuel Guerrero
Hi Emmanuel, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
A product of a single mom and the oldest of 5 siblings. A first-generation college graduate from the University of Houston’s Bauer Business School obtaining a double Bachelor of Business Administration. I grew up witnessing the lack of representation on all levels of government and in my community. The lack of people who look like me and other minorities is a prevalent issue that we see across most minority communities. With my background of serving on various boards such as the Harris County Appraisal Review Board, the Association of Latino Professionals For America(ALPFA), LULAC, serve as an alumni mentor for students at UH & UHD. Combined with professional experience in the sales, food, oil & gas, and federal funding industries, the desire for representation and the demand to have representatives who actually care motivated me to run for office. In 2023 I was elected to the Pasadena City Council, representing District C, and became the youngest elected Councilman in the City’s history at the age of 26.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
At 24 I was at the peak of what I considered success in my life. At 24 I had been promoted to become my company’s youngest manager in its history, and I was in the process of purchasing my dream house. In the blink of an eye all of that was up in the air, 3 minutes before arriving home I was impacted by a drunk driver. I awoke to an EMT Cleaning me as if it had been a dream, but I couldn’t get up. No matter how hard I tried my body wouldn’t respond. The next weeks were a haze, I had to sit in a wheelchair while a doctor told me he wasn’t sure when I could start walking again. I needed 3 surgeries, extensive physical therapy, and a lot of recovery time. I don’t remember when I started walking nor do I remember learning how to, and yet here I was at 24 having to learn how to walk again. Learn how to use my left foot again. Learn how to start over. I look back at the countless mornings I used to get up like nothing and walk to the restroom. All those times I took the gift of life for granted. I’m thankful for being so blessed and so loved by so many in my time of greatest need. Ironically it was in a wheelchair that I decided I wanted to help people. That decision pushed me to embark on the journey of service that I’m living today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Everyday as a City Councilman I am so blessed and honored to serve. The ability to produce a long lasting positive impact that helps and benefits so many for years to come is something that is priceless.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The future of politics is bright, the next generation of leaders are not on their way; WE are here and we are READY to lead.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pasadenatx.gov/412/District-C
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Guerrero4PasadenaC
