MENTORSHIP IS THE NAMEOF THE GAMEBEN VASQUEZ | PEACEPLAYERS CHICAGO DIRECTORMy family moved to Chicago from Puerto Rico when I was five. I’ve worked and lived in blackand brown communities my entire life. I’ve seen my family begin a small business and work withcommunity residents from an early age.I grew up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community. I went to several schools in the community andwitnessed much violence growing up. I also saw many community leaders stepping up to help youngpeople navigate a better path. Growing up, I had many great mentors who helped me navigate theissues my community faced. I started working as an outreach worker with high-risk youth in myearly twenties because I understood I was part of the solution.I have worked in community development efforts for over 15 years, working with youth andcommunity residents to help bring resources to Chicago’s most underserved communities. I workedfor years to help launch social enterprise efforts with young adults ready to start small businesses inBlack and Brown communities. Today I am co-owner of a small business in Humboldt Park providinghealth and fitness classes and free community classes on the weekends to residents. I also foundeda nonprofit called Urban Mission Chicago that worked to address the lack of representation of blackand brown students studying abroad and accessing global experiences.PEACEPLAYERS UNITED STATES STORYBOOK1711
It seems that your browser's pop-up blocker has prevented us from opening a new window/tab. Please click the button below to open the link manually.
