Latinos often say that a celebration of Hispanic heritage is an everyday event, not a monthly outreach, or a series. We totally agree with that concept and the daily contributions made by a prideful Latino community whose heritage dates back to settlements made in Santa Fe, New Mex. in the mid 1500’s by the Spaniards, or inhabitants from Mexico or other Latin American countries whose common language is Spanish and celebrate their Hispanic heritage
Photo courtesy: Harris-Walz Campaign
A family name often heard and remembered in the Southwest and specifically in Colorado, is the Gonzales family. Their patriarch and civil rights activist was Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales. Gonzales and his wife Geraldine, have since passed on, but they left numerous offspring who have made their mark in many professions and have achieved great success.
Sergio Gonzales, son to Rudolph ‘Rudy” Gonzales and grandson to Rodolfo ‘Corky’ Gonzales is the current Campaign Deputy Chief of Staff to Vice President Kamala Harris of the Harris-Walz campaign. Gonzales and his team work closely with Vice President Harris and expect great election results come November 5th.
Gonzales grew up in Jefferson County and attended Columbine High School. Gonzales was a junior when that tragedy occurred.
He attended college at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Gonzales offers, “My mother Geri and I were very close. I was at a great advantage of being raised by a strong working mom, who put herself through college, ultimately acquiring a degree in engineering from the University of Denver in the 90’s. She raised me while juggling work and pursuing a college degree and still found time to make dinner, help me with homework and encourage my own dreams. At that time, she was the only Latina in an engineering program. Moms are beloved and important in our community – and shape so much of who we are and what we do,” said Gonzales.
The father figure in Sergio’s life was a great role model as well. Known for his ability to lead people and the ability to organize, Rudolph “Rudy’ Gonzales eventually found great opportunity to help the Latino community by leading Servicios de la Raza. Sergio adds, “I am also so proud of my father, ‘Rudy’ Gonzales, who has led Servicios de La Raza for years. He has provided tremendous leadership and has focused on serving and strengthening our communities. He has been so supportive of the work I’ve done and is supportive of Vice President Kamala Harris.
Besides paying tribute to his parents, Gonzales recalls his Latino upbringing that included time with his grandfather, ‘Corky’ Gonzales. Sergio adds, Grandpa Gonzales paid special attention to all his grandchildren. I recall my grandfather was a family man and had a special day set aside to take me to breakfast at the very young age of 6 and would discuss the issues at hand in the Latino community. He discussed politics, culture and more. Even at that young age, I understood the life conversation and carry those conversations with me everywhere I go.”
Asked what advice he has for high school and college students, Gonzales said, “I think it’s really important for young people to do things that they are passionate about and in turn make the world, a better place. For instance, Vice President Harris in so many ways represents this vision for the future, making communities strong and offering the opportunity of the promise of America.”
Gonzales points to Harris’ own upbringing by a single mom who only expected the very best from her two daughters. She instilled hard work, family values, love and support like his own parents and grandparents did. This upbringing led him to the world of politics, doing what’s right for his community and encouraging others to vote and choose leaders wisely
The world of politics has been important and passionate to Gonzales. He attributes the support from community leaders like Sen. Michael Bennet and others who have mentored him along the way to success. His work over the years have been a variety of high-level jobs that include working for the Barack Obama campaign. He was also effective as part of the Hillary Clinton campaign. His current Harris-Walz high profile job brings much pride and honor to his home state of Colorado and specifically to the Latino community and the Gonzales family.
It appears life in the fast lane and a day in the life of political campaigns for Sergio Gonzales usually means a high energy day. “You feel the energy and enthusiasm when you walk into any Harris-Walz’ campaign office, whether that’s in Denver, Las Vegas, Phoenix or any other location. Thousands are attending the Harris-Walz’ rallies, and it is a privilege and honor to see Harris move the country forward. In my heart of hearts this is the most important election!”
Asked how he views the very idea of a female, a woman of color candidate being elected as U.S. president, Gonzales responds, “Very exciting! She is running to be a president for all Americans, not just for the sake of being the first woman or a woman of color to hold that office.”
A celebration of heritage is important to Latinos and that includes Gonzales, who says, “A celebration of heritage is incredibly important to me and Vice President Harris as well. Latinos have contributed so much to this country and in every way, we are part of the fabric of America.”
Gonzales ends by targeting the Latino voter, “We are working to earn every Latino vote in this country.” Across the country Harris continues talks about the issues important to Latinos. Gonzales adds, “We know that Latinos are so important to this election and Vice President Harris is committed to earning their vote.”
