Hugo has lived in Cicero since birth and is a current resident of Cicero for over 35 years. Hugo is a first generation Mexican American, who is a product of Cicero District 99 and District 201 educational systems. Hugo has also earned his degree in Spanish and Translation Studies at University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana (UIUC) in August 2014. His passion for education, student affairs, and travel, inspired him to obtain his Master of Education in International Higher Education in December 2018, from Loyola University Chicago. Hugo’s passion has always been helping people in the community and giving back. Hugo has been very fortunate to work for non-profit organizations where he was able to help Latinx, LGBTQ+, and people with disabilities in multi-faceted ways including education, healthcare, and self-advocacy to name a few. 

 

During his undergraduate career at UIUC, Hugo started his activist work by joining student lead organizations that focused on the rights of those who have been disenfranchised and marginalized. This work has led to lifelong advocacy where he continues to advocate for his community members, both near and far. Hugo and his family were also severely impacted by Cicero’s flooding and this reinvigorated his need to invest back into his community and connect with local residents to advocate for more resources and a better life for all Cicero residents. Hugo has joined other residents to push the town to plant additional trees and create green alleys, among other resources to make sure a better infrastructure is instituted. His passion for service is why he works with students with disabilities to make sure they have equal access to a higher education and helps them achieve their full potential at UIC and beyond. 

 

Hugo grew up going to Cicero Public Library, where it quickly became a second home for him and a safe space where he was able to grow and spread his wings as he reached for new goals. Hugo is excited to bring his knowledge, run for the Cicero Library, and make sure that educational materials are accessible to all and that the Cicero Library becomes a place that is open and accessible to all of its residents and community members.