LIDERES LATINOS ORAL HISTORY PROJECT:

Availability:

The collection is open for research use.

Preferred Citation:

[Indicate the cited item and/or series here]. Lideres Latinos Oral History Project. Oral history interviews of the Lideres Latinos Oral History Project. Minnesota Historical Society.

See the Chicago Manual of Style for additional examples.

Location of Originals:

Original digital sound recordings held in the Minnesota Historical Society Oral History Office. The unedited transcript and DVD of the interview with the Latino Business Leaders Defining Success project are also held in the Minnesota Historical Society Oral History Office.

Accession Information:

Accession number: AV2011.2

Processing Information:

Processed by: J. Huebscher, November 2011, October 2013.

Catalog ID number: 990074479510104294

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Emiliano Chagil was born in Guatemala in the city of San Lucas Tolimán. Chagil went to college in the city of Sololá where he completed his Bachelor's Degree and later received his Engineering Degree at the University of San Carlos. He moved to Minnesota in 1980 because of the Civil War in Guatemala. He later proved to be an influential leader for Latin communities in Minnesota and Guatemala.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; Guatemalan community and culture; financial struggles; Mayan and Christian religions; civil unrest; identity; landscape differences of Minnesota and Guatemala; Latino community in Minnesota; immigration; education; and refugees.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Gilbert de la O was born in New Ulm, Minnesota. His family moved from Texas to Minnesota in search of work. He started working at the Neighborhood House, a community center, as teen for over fifty years. De la O is married with two children. He also served as the first Chicano ever on the St. Paul School Board.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background, community involvement; childhood growing up at the Neighborhood House child care center; revolution of 1910; financial struggles; Our Lady of Guadalupe church; Jewish community; Latino community; lack of diversity; Black Bridge; racism in the classroom; the Chicano Movement with the Brown Berets; Chicano Studies at the University of Minnesota; serving in the Vietnam War; military order in his life; changing views towards being against wars; impact of sports; unemployment; growing diversity in Saint Paul; uniting the Latino community; education; and the West Side Boosters.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Susana de León was born in northern Mexico, in Zacatecas. De León attended Normal school for four years for teaching. Afterwards she moved from California to Minnesota. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota and is currently an immigration attorney.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; childhood; education; Latino food and culture; jobs held; financial struggles; bilingual in Spanish and English; friendships; immigration; personal relationships; teaching; Minnesota winter; college recruiting; working with people with disabilities; West Side Latino community in Minnesota; folkloric Mexican dancing; and being proud of her heritage.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Elia Dimayuga-Bruggeman was born in the small town of Las Mesas, Mexico. She moved to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota where she married and had three children. Dimayuga-Bruggeman attended Mankato State University to become a teacher. She worked as a Spanish teacher and as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher before pursuing her Master's in Spanish Literature and Culture. She continued her education receiving her superintendent's degree and her K-12 Principal licensure. She would serve as Dean of Students of Sleepy Eye Public Schools and later as a high school principal. Dimayuga-Bruggeman was the academic dean of Shattuck-St. Mary's private school. She was the Director of Educational Services of the Northwest Suburban School District, and is now Assistant Commissioner of Education to the State of Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; Bracero Program; farm work; importance of education; financial struggles; Mexican folklore dancing; difference in treatment from being a migrant student to a foreign exchange student; Youth For Understanding; Minnesota winter; English as a Second Language; Latino culture; Minnesota Migrant Program; Hispanic community; racial tensions; student leaders; diversity; cultural center; Chicano Latino Affairs Council; high school graduation rate; and the Chicano Latino Affairs Council.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Mario Duarte was born in El Salvador, to Raul Bustamante and Maria Luisa Duarte. He attended the institution of Dale Carnegie and the National University of El Salvador for sociology. Duarte later married Esperanza Quesada and together raised four children. Due to the Civil War in El Salvador Duarte and his family escaped to the United States in 1982. He would serve as a prominent figure for the Latino community in Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; financial hardships; education; community organizations; social injustice; Civil War; learning the English language; Chicano community; travel; media and radio; and identity.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Eloisa Echavez was born in Colombia as one of five sisters in her family. Echavez received her Associate's Degree in computer science and learned English through the Colombo Americano program. She completed her Master's Degree at Augsburg College in education and leadership for administration. She serves as a mentor and leader for the Latino community as director of La Oportunidad.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; religion; education's importance in her life as well as providing educational opportunities for others; culture; Latino community; leadership; bilingual benefits of learning Spanish and English; inspiration to help struggling Latinos; community programs; and communication for a unified Latino voice.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Luis Fitch was born in Tijuana, Mexico. He grew up in California and Mexico, and moved to San Diego to attend NewSchool of Architecture and San Diego City College where he found his calling in art. He would work as a freelancer and gained admission to the prestigious Art Center College of Design. Fitch continued his art career focusing on Latino arts and was truly inspired by his heritage. His talents allowed him to work in both the corporate and local communities.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; childhood growing up in Catholic schools; interest in art; mother's influence in his life; financial struggles; questioning the United States Mexico border or the “tortilla wall”; bilingual (Spanish and English); Latino culture; commercial and local art; Minnesota art; CreArte; internet's impact on Mexico; working for Fitch, RPA, MTV, Fame, and John Ryan and Company; creating Mercado Central and UNO Branding; connecting with universities through art; Lake Street; importance of education; and his son.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Héctor García was born in Mexico and raised in Mexico City. García graduated from the Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México studying business administration. He moved to Minnesota in 1973 and later created MEX-US, a consulting company. García worked as executive director for the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council and the National Conference for Community and Justice.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; campesino movement; childhood; pollution in Mexico City; poverty; racism; education; Latino culture; lack of diversity in Hawthorne, California; Minnesota weather; jobs held; businesses opportunities explored; North American Free Trade Agreement; decline of Mexican peso; anti-Semitism; wanting to help the lower class; organizations; Latino community; and the Legacy Fund.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Manuel Guerrero was born in Indiana and was brought up in Catholic schools. Guerrero attended the University of Notre Dame and later law school at Indiana University. He practiced law in Marion, Indiana and was elected as a state court judge. He landed a professor position to teach criminal justice at the University of Minnesota. Guerrero pursued his second law degree in juvenile law at Georgetown University, but afterward moved back to Minnesota. He gave back to the community by heading the Chicano Latino Resource Center and forming the Minnesota Latino Federation. He aspires to have the Latino community become more educated and involved in Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family support; immigration; baseball; scholarships; Latino culture; lack of diversity; his education path; Latino community; Chicano Studies Department at the University of Minnesota; growing diversity in Minneapolis; drug use and poverty in Latino communities; racism differences in metro compared to rural cities in Minnesota; and a Latino voice in politics.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin was born in Puente de Plátanos, Guatemala. Hasslet-Marroquin attended the Central National Agriculture School and the University of San Carlos studying agriculture. He was the president of ENLACE Guatemala before moving to Minneapolis. In Minnesota he attended the University of Minnesota to hone his English. He then created the Peace Coffee Company, National Fair Trade Federation, Transfair, and the Rural Enterprise Center. Reginaldo is married with three children.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; civil war; organic farming; childhood; Mayan languages; education; experience at an all boys boarding school; Faith and Hope program; volunteering; Minnesota weather; organizations; co-ops; difficulties of learning English; 1995 Farm Bill; Peace Coffee Company; creating fair treatment towards farmers; atrocities of war; funding; Community Supported Agriculture; Latino community in Minnesota; and environmentalism.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Ramón León was born in Mexico City before moving to the state of Mexico. León worked as a journalist in Mexico, but relocated to California and dedicated his time to business. He later moved to Minnesota for an opportunity to open his own furniture manufacturing company. He would soon wed in Minnesota and continued to build his businesses and helped the Latino community establish their own businesses. León formed the Joint Committee on Immigration and was the chair of the board for Mercado Central. He envisioned Latinos solving their social issues through community programs, businesses, and involvement.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; education; jobs worked; climate and social differences of California to Minnesota; bonding with Latino community; business; financial struggles; religion; Mex-Am Vending; Latino Economic Development Center; financing; protecting the local Latino businesses; Latino Scholarship Fund; immigration issues; and the Institute for Economic Development of the Americas.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Idalia Leuze was brought up in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Minnesota. Leuze was raised in Willmar and went to Ridgewater College (formerly Willmar Vo-Tech) studying legal administration. She worked for the Chamber of Commerce, Public Defender's office, as an interpreter, as a corrections counselor, PACT 4 Families, and as director of West Central Integration Collaborative.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include childhood; family; Latino culture in Texas and Minnesota; religion; education; lack of diversity in Willmar; suing the Willmar School District over Latino student rights; dangerous living conditions; having to get tamale ingredients from Chicago; grand opening of Taco John's restaurant; Somali integration; visit to China; and funds and grants.

Interviewed by: Ruth Trevino.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Eduardo was born in a small town in northern Mexico, but grew up in Mexico City. He came to Minnesota to attend graduate school to study animal reproduction. After finishing school and getting married Eduardo and his wife Jill briefly moved back to Mexico City before eventually settling in St. Cloud Minnesota with their three children. Changing careers he worked his way up in the restaurant business and today is the owner of Mexican Village Too in St. Cloud.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include upbringing; importance of education in his life; moving to Minnesota; meeting his wife, Jill; struggling to get a job; changing careers; being underemployed; opening a restaurant; adjusting to the community; karate; his family; buying Mexican Village Too; the Latino community in St. Cloud; developing, branding, and marketing salsa; giving back to the community.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Martha Noyola was born in Houston Texas; her parents are immigrants from Mexico. She graduated from the University of California-Berkley and works as a multicultural academic advisor for St. Cloud St. University. She has served on the board of the Multicultural Center for Central Minnesota, and worked or volunteered for the Latino Coalition, Community Development Coalition, and National Latina Health Organization, and Catholic Charities.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include early life; family decision to come to the United States; crossing the border; education and fitting-in in school; going away to college; gender roles in family and school; volunteering; family expectations of going to college; moving to Minnesota; racism in small town Minnesota; Latino community in and around St. Cloud; Catholic Charities; nonprofit work; working for St. Cloud State as a multicultural advisor; establishing a community within St. Cloud; being a mom and raising children in a predominantly white community; hopes for the Latino community to become more visible in central Minnesota.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Reverend J. Pablo Obregon was born in Lima, Peru. Obregon attended Lutheran Bible Institute in southern California for ministry. He later attended Lutheran Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota on his path towards becoming a pastor. He accepted a pastor internship in Willmar where he would meet his future wife. Obregon would become the Pastor Chaplain for Bethesda Health and Housing in Willmar.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; Peru's religious stance; Peru weather and culture; Chinese influence in Peru introducing rice to diet; holidays and New Year's celebrations; playing the guitar; education; teacher strikes and social injustice; learning English by watching television shows along with classes, calling to become a pastor; Minnesota weather; dealing with stereotypes; immigration; racial tensions and discrimination in Willmar; ELCA; and educating the community of Willmar about God and understanding different cultures.

Interviewed by: Ruth Trevino.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Rafael Ortega grew up in New York City. He received his Bachelor degree from Fordham University and his Masters Degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. Ortega is the first minority to be elected to the Ramsey County Board (5th district) and the first Latino to a County board in Minnesota in 1994.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family and early life; Puerto Rican parents; growing up on the Lower East Side; growing up in the era of social unrest and protest; being one of a few Latinos in college; student activities and organizations and racial issues in college; coming to Minnesota to do his Master's; CLUES [Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio]; challenges facing the Twin Cities Latino community in the 1980’s early 90’s; getting Latinos appointed to state wide posts; Ramsey county commissioner; his children; campaigning; Highland Park neighborhood.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Carmen was born in the New York City borough of Brooklyn but grew up in Neillsville, Wisconsin. She went to school at Harvard. Robles has two children and one grandchild. She is the program director for the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota focusing on Latino outreach. She works primarily with at risk youth through her program Jovenes de Salud (Youth Community Health Workers).

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; moving as a child; early marriage and children; working for Honeywell, Governor Arne Carlson, and various Latino organizations; her art; travel; being a Latino Republican; working with children; improving communities; perception of the Latino community; contributions by the Latino community to the state.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Edgardo E. Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico. Rodriguez worked at Price Waterhouse as a senior accountant before being lured to International Multifoods as an assistant controller. Once retired, Rodriguez became the treasurer of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC). He became involved with communities after joining the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), a nonprofit dedicated in helping communities of color with their businesses.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; religious influences; financial struggles; education; job history as an accountant; Minnesota weather and ethnic environment; MEDA involvement; Hispanic community and culture; Venezuela; helping Latino businesses; Small Business Champion of the Year for Minnesota and the Midwest; addressing education and documentation for the Latino community; importance of learning English and computer skills for Latinos; music and art; VocalEssence; and community participation.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Lourdez Ortega Schwab was born in El Paso, Texas before moving to Minnesota. Schwab worked at Housing Redevelopment Authority helping low income families. She currently works in a bank where she enjoys educating the Latino community about finances. Schwab also is serving in the Navy Reserves and is married with three children.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; childhood; opportunities in Minnesota; farm work; different racial perceptions from Minnesota to Texas; importance of education; relationships; immigration; Latino community; educating about banking; jobs held; Heartland Community Action Agency; bilingual in Spanish and English; West Central Collaborative; mercado; Latino culture and foods; businesses; diversifying community; religion; citizenship; family ties; fishing memories; difficulties translating English to Spanish for her parents; Quinceaňera; and military experience.

Interviewed by: Ruth Trevino.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Maria Cristina Tavera was born in Minneapolis, to Maria Estela Ligia Garcia Morales and Patrick James O'Brien, who met in Mexico. She grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota because her father was from Minnesota and wanted the family to move to the United States. Tavera studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at the University of Minnesota for her Bachelor's Degree and later her Master's Degree focusing on Latino art. She believed her artwork could enrich the Latino community.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; Latino community and culture; art; TRIO programs; Day of the Dead; education; Lake street Latino growth; student organizations; immigration; bilingual (Spanish and English); and developing a cultural center.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: José H. Trejo was born in Rosita, Mexico. Trejo and his family moved to Minnesota from Texas for better opportunities. He attended Austin Community College majoring in biology and later Mankato State University majoring in Spanish Studies. Trejo proceeded to teach at Red Wing High School for four years. He was the town supervisor for Eureka Township in Polk County Wisconsin and served as director for Buckbee Mears Company. Trejo would later hold many more positions including working for the North American Free-Trade Agreement, as associate director for Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, as director of the Saint Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce, for the Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force, for the Cooperative Council on AIDS and HIV Prevention, and for the Agricultural Committee of the United States Department of Agriculture. He is currently working as director of the Breaking Free organization.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include jobs held; organizations; civil unrest; immigration; politics; trip moving to Minnesota; Minnesota weather; importance of education; discrimination in school; financial struggles; scholarships; teaching Spanish; bilingual in Spanish and English; active Latino community; civil unrest in Saint Paul; community involvement; Christian Science program; Neighborhood Watch; Spanish Speaking Affairs Council; Minnesota Migrant Council; lawsuits; funding; Minnesota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Chicano Liberation Front; Minnesota Hispanic AIDS; Hispanic Women's Conference; Migrant Health Program; Latino Employment Program; President Carter; human rights; diversity; and leadership.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Carl R. Valdez was born in the village of Penn Yan, New York. After high school Valdez joined the Air Force as a Russian linguist. He moved to Minnesota to attend Saint Thomas University and later became a school teacher for 22 years. He has worked in the ministry since 1991 working primarily with the Hispanic community. Valdez is married with six daughters.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; jobs held; Catholic religion; father's struggles; importance of education; military experience at the Black Sea; traveling; poem writing; Minnesota winter; issues with the Vietnam War; special education; languages; ministry; Mexican American Cultural Center; Latino community; baptism; Comunidad Latina Unida en Servicio; Lake Street with a strong Latino influence; growing Latino population; immigration topic; racial tension; and bilingual Mass.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Olga Viso was born in Melbourne, Florida. She attended Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida as an art major. Viso later attended Emory University for graduate school and afterwards became a curator at the High Museum. She later held the position as director of the Hirshhorn Museum for twelve years before becoming the executive director of the Walker Art Center.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; art as her passion; childhood; education; lack of diversity in Melbourne; Cuban exile; Cuban cooking; museum experience; Latino artists; Latino community; networking; community involvement; local art; immigrants; Walker Art Center as a resource for artists; organizations; global image of the Walker; multiculturalism; and embracing her heritage.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Heladio "Lalo" Zavala was born in Asherton, Texas. Zavala decided to move to Minnesota to attend Moorhead State College and studied social work and Spanish. He became involved with the Latino community by becoming the chairman of Migrant Health Services, executive director of the Minnesota Migrant Council, and CEO of Midwest Association of Farmworker Organizations. Zavala is married with three children.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; Latino culture in Texas; agriculture industry; separation between Whites and Mexicanos; recruitment program called Project Equality; Beatles and music; financial hardships; Bilingual in Spanish and English; racism; Chicano Movement; importance of education; networking; National Association of Farmworker Organizations; funding; uniting Latinos; and community involvement.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Alberto Monserrate was born in Middlebury, Vermont. Monserrate grew up in Puerto Rico and England. He moved to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota majoring in sociology. He has held several positions including the state chair of the Minnesota Young DFL, Ameriprise, Board of La Oportunidad Incorporated, Prudential Securities as a financial advisor, and founding board of the KIPP Stand (Knowledge is Power Program). At the time of this interview, Monserrate was a Latino Media owner of La Prensa, La Invasora, and LCN. He also served on the Minneapolis School Board.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include jobs held; family background; being bilingual in Spanish and English; playing sports; crime exposure; Minnesota weather; scholarships; lack of Latino community in the 1980s; racism; relationships; financial struggles; immigration; Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio; Latino non-profits; education; technology; Lake Street; community involvement; Latino business; Latino rally; anti-immigrant sentiment; English as a Second Language; and Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Valeria Silva was born in Antofagasta, Chile. She moved to St. Cloud, Minnesota for more opportunities. Silva attended British University and St. Cloud State University to study English and become a teacher. She worked as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) before she landed a teaching position. Silva continued her education and received her master's degree. At the time of this interview she was the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family background; physical developmental problems as a child; education; childhood; financial struggles; Salvador revolution; sneaking out to meet Fidel Castro and making it on the front cover of a newspaper; difficulties learning English; strict schools; relationships; friendships; scholarships; inspiration to become a teacher; teaching in poverty-stricken areas; English as a second language; experiencing different cultures; wedding ceremony; views of the Mexican community towards other South America countries; Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents; and the importance of family.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Sandra L. Vargas was born in Los Angeles before moving to Minnesota. Vargas attended the College of St. Catherine in Saint Paul studying business administration, and later the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for a mid-career degree on public policy. She held positions working at the State Department of Economic Development and as Minnesota Department of Transportation Director of Administrative Services for the metro district. At the time of this interview, Vargas was the president and CEO of the Minneapolis Foundation.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include jobs held; family background; the Latino community in Minnesota; immigration; religion; financial struggles growing up; childhood; the importance of education; Set-Aside Program; relationships; Hispanic Chamber of Business; racism; English translators; Minnesota Chamber of Commerce; Minority Issues Advisory Council; Chicano Esperanza; Hispanic Women's Development Corporation; Latino parents conference; fellowships; and leadership.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Val Vargas was born in Minneapolis, and grew up in Brooklyn Center, and later in New Brighton. She attended Oklahoma City University and studied accounting. She worked at Metropolitan Economic Development Association as a business consultant and owns the Vargas Company. At the time of this interview she was the founder and president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include jobs held; family background; Catholic religion; lack of a Latino community in Minnesota; Latino culture and foods; Lake Street; being bilingual in Spanish and English; financial struggles growing up; childhood; Chicanos Latinos Unidos en Servicio; choices; lack of services for the Latino community; the growing Latino population; emphasis on Spanish language; layoffs; budget cuts; and politics.

Interviewed by: Lorena Duarte.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Maria Argueta was born in 1989 in Santa Tecla, El Salvador. She moved to Los Angeles at the age of five before later moving to Minnesota. Argueta now resides in Crookston, Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; Salvadoran community; ESL education; Salvadoran food, culture, and identity; Latino cultural retention.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Joe Campos was born in 1963 in Amherst, Texas. After graduating from Area Vocational Technical Institute, Campos worked for the credit union before returning to Northland Community College. Campos now resides in East Grand Forks, North Dakota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; work; education; Latino community and identity; language; Latino traditions, celebrations, and holidays.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Amy Cerna was born in 1983 in Big Wells, Texas. Cerna is currently studying business at Minnesota State Community and Technical College. She is married with three children and volunteers at Mujeres Unidas [Women United].

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; marriage; moving within the United States; education; Latino identity and community; Community services; working at MET, Inc.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Miguel Diaz was born in 1987 in Uriangato, Guanajuato, Mexico. After graduating with his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Concordia College, Diaz is now working on a Master’s degree at North Dakota State University. Diaz currently resides in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; Latinos in Pelican Rapids and broader Minnesota; Lutheran Social Services; Mexican cultural traditions, celebrations; cultural events in Pelican Rapids.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Porfirio Diaz was born and raised in Moroleon, Guanajuato, Mexico. After graduating from Concordia College with a degree in International Business, Diaz now resides in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; Lutheran Social Services; education; community engagement; Mexican cultural retention; generational differences in the Mexican community; demographic shifts in Pelican Rapids.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Ruben Garcia was born in Hart, Texas in 1960. After serving eight years in the military, Garcia graduated with an associate’s degree in law enforcement from the University of Miami. He speaks of his unique experiences as a Latino man in the military. Garcia now serves as a police officer and resides with his family in Moorhead, Minnesota.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; childhood; language; Mexican cultural traditions; food; prejudice in the military; experiences with a family involved in the Ku Klux Klan; membership in Disabled American Vets.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Ken Mendez was born in 1963 in Crookston, Minnesota. Mendez graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He is an active member of the Latino community in Crookston, where he works with Migrant Health and volunteers for the Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; Crookston's Latino community; food; traditions; celebrations; holidays; community support and service in Crookston; fundraising for a scholarship he created.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Biographical Information: Leticia Sanchez was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, in 1953. Sanchez now resides in Crookston, Minnesota, where she works for the Minnesota Migrant Council's Domestic Abuse Program.

Scope and Content: Subjects discussed include family; language and bilingualism; generational differences in the Latino community; raising children; racism in education; community support programs.

Interviewed by: Abner Arauza.

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Use Restrictions: None.

Scope and Content: In this interview with the Latino Business Leaders Defining Success project, Minnesota business leaders are interviewed regarding how high school students can become successful. Topics discussed are the narrator's own successes; the importance of attending school; how to get a job or internship; the qualities employers look for on resumes; defining success and following a passion; and Latina women and the workplace.

Interviewed by: Leonor Villasuso.

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This collection is indexed under the following headings in the catalog of the Minnesota Historical Society. Researchers desiring materials about related topics, persons or places should search the catalog using these headings.

Topics:

Community development -- Minnesota.

Emigration and immigration.

Hispanic American families -- Minnesota.

Hispanic Americans -- Minnesota -- Social conditions.

Hispanic Americans -- Minnesota.

Immigrants -- Minnesota.

Mexican American families -- Minnesota.

Mexican Americans -- Minnesota -- Social conditions.

Mexican Americans -- Minnesota.

Persons:

Aguilar, Richard, interviewee.

Arauza, Abner, interviewer.

Argueta, Maria, interviewee.

Campos, Joe, interviewee.

Cerna, Amy, interviewee.

Chagil, Emiliano, interviewee.

de la O, Gilbert, interviewee.

de Leon, Susana, interviewee.

Diaz, Miguel, 1987- interviewee.

Diaz, Porfirio, 1989- interviewee.

Dimayuga-Bruggeman, Elia, interviewee.

Duarte O., Lorena E., 1976-, interviewer.

Duarte, Mário, interviewee.

Echavez, Eloisa, interviewee.

Fitch, Luis, interviewee.

Garcia, Hector, interviewee.

Garcia, Ruben, interviewee.

Guerra, Alvaro Cedrit Patino, interviewee.

Guerrero, Manuel P., interviewee.

Haslett-Marroquin, Reginaldo, interviewee.

Iglesias-Solomon, Teresa, interviewee.

León, Ramón, interviewee.

Leuze, Idalia, interviewee.

Martinez-Yrizar, Eduardo, interviewee.

Mendez, Ken, interviewee.

Monserrate, Alberto, interviewee.

Noyola, Martha A., interviewee.

Obregon, J. Pablo, interviewee.

Ortega, Rafael E., interviewee.

Osuna, Diego, interviewee.

Robles, Carmen, interviewee.

Rodriguez, Edgardo E., interviewee.

Sanchez, Leticia, interviewee.

Schwab, Lourdez Ortega, interviewee.

Silva, Valeria, interviewee.

Tavera, Maria, interviewee.

Trejo, Jose H., interviewee.

Trevino, Ruth, interviewer.

Valdez, Carl R., interviewee.

Vargas, Sandra L., interviewee.

Vargas, Val, interviewee.

Villasuso, Leonor, interviewer.

Viso, Olga M., 1966-, interviewee.

Zavala, Heladio, interviewee.

Document Types:

Interviews.

Oral histories (document genres)

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