2023.03 -- US Storybook 2022 updated 4.14 - Flipbook - Page 13
MENTORSHIP IS THE NAME
OF THE GAME
BEN VASQUEZ | PEACEPLAYERS CHICAGO DIRECTOR
My family moved to Chicago from Puerto Rico when I was five. I’ve worked and lived in black
and brown communities my entire life. I’ve seen my family begin a small business and work with
community residents from an early age.
I grew up in Chicago’s Humboldt Park community. I went to several schools in the community and
witnessed much violence growing up. I also saw many community leaders stepping up to help young
people navigate a better path. Growing up, I had many great mentors who helped me navigate the
issues my community faced. I started working as an outreach worker with high-risk youth in my
early twenties because I understood I was part of the solution.
I have worked in community development efforts for over 15 years, working with youth and
community residents to help bring resources to Chicago’s most underserved communities. I worked
for years to help launch social enterprise efforts with young adults ready to start small businesses in
Black and Brown communities. Today I am co-owner of a small business in Humboldt Park providing
health and fitness classes and free community classes on the weekends to residents. I also founded
a nonprofit called Urban Mission Chicago that worked to address the lack of representation of black
and brown students studying abroad and accessing global experiences.
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