2 minute read
Mauricio Calvo
LATINO MEMPHIS | MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE
Mauricio and family with supporters during his City Council campaign.
Photo courtesy of Mauricio Calvo.
THE CATALYST COLLECTIVE PROGRAM was a true community for me and a necessary one during this virtual reality we’re all working in. To be able to connect with other leaders of color in the sector, share leadership experiences, and work through challenges facing our sectors together has been such a valuable experience these past few years.
This experience was enriching and I look forward to our next generation of nonprofit leaders to learn, grow, and find a safe community like I have with this program. It is necessary for our leaders to see themselves represented in leadership roles, but it is also important for them to have the opportunity to troubleshoot with a community experiencing the unique challenges that comes with being a leader of color.
As I have learned through this program, inclusive spaces foster organic, authentic relationships for communities to thrive and innovate. The work I do with my own organization only further affirms this. Philanthropy needs to consider funding directly to our communities and the development of our leaders now and our leaders of tomorrow. With intentional investments like this, battling the issues we face and creating a more inclusive world for all will be a closer reality.
Photo by Patrick Lantrip, Daily Memphian.
Mauricio has been a proud Memphian for twenty-eight years. As Executive Director of Latino Memphis, the Mexico City native leads a social, legal, and advocacy organization working to build a vibrant and upward Latinx community, a goal relevant to all Memphians. Mauricio, who is openly bi, and his best friend-wife, local artist Yancy Villa, are figuring out how to raise three future leaders: Anna 15, Carolina 14, and Santiago 12, who proudly attend public schools. In addition to enduring his cooking, the Calvo-Villa are champions of progressive issues and enjoy all things Memphis as a family.
