He went from a life of gangs and poverty to working at prominent companies like eBay and winning election to Silicon Valley’s most powerful education board. Santa Clara County Board of Education Member Peter Ortiz knows the struggles of many students in his district because he’s lived through them himself. Ortiz, 29, grew up off of...
In the Spotlight
Welcome to In the Spotlight.
These stories spotlight the people who make San Jose a remarkable place to call home. From unsung heroes to community leaders, we catch up with San Joseans who are doing amazing things — and we share the awe-inspiring stories behind their struggles and successes.
We are telling the unique, ever-changing, diverse story of San Jose. One person at a time.
Who should we feature next? To nominate someone for our next In the Spotlight profile, email [email protected].
Ann Ravel witnessed wage disparity working in fruit orchards
Working in a fruit orchard cannery in San Jose as a school girl gave Former Federal Election Commission chair Ann Ravel a startling glimpse at income inequality, gender and racial disparities. White men were treated and paid better than white women, Latinos and Latina workers, she said. “I was a member of the union for the workers...
Jessica Paz-Cedillos broke through poverty to lead MHP arts school
Jessica Paz-Cedillos owes it all to her community. Paz-Cedillos in March becomes the new executive director for the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Paz-Cedillos brings with her an extensive background in community organizing and an impressive history of fundraising. But she says she wouldn’t be in the position she’s in...