"...Not bad for a South Texas boy" - Softcover

Pena, Federico

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0578925826 ISBN 13: 9780578925820

Publisher: Federico Pena, 2021

Synopsis

The title, "Not Bad for a South Texas Boy", comes from a note penned by Federico Peņa's college English professor. While first read as encouraging, it took years to understand the nuanced message of low expectations for one of the University of Texas' few students of color. From modest beginnings in South Texas, through perseverance Peņa would earn a law degree; fight for social justice as a civil rights attorney; serve as a Colorado Legislator and Denver's Mayor; and become our nation's Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Energy.

Describing a challenging life journey from the small border town of Brownsville, Peņa details his transformation from his original dream of practicing conventional law, to a passion for fighting for the underserved. He discovers a rekindled hope in America by lobbying for education reforms in Colorado and then serendipitously becomes a state legislator. Surprising political pundits, he is elected as Mayor of Denver where he blazes through a calamitous recession, builds a new international airport and modern convention center. He invests in neighborhoods, preserves historic buildings, and brings major league baseball to Colorado.

As Transportation Secretary, he helps restore Los Angeles from its 1994 devastating earthquake, introduces new transportation safety standards and technological advances, and supports significant infrastructure investments. As Energy Secretary, he fashions a national energy policy, invests in clean energy technologies, and travels the world fighting for America's interests. He becomes the first Latino to lead two federal departments in our nation's capital.

Today, Peņa, a successful businessman, remains engaged in local, national and civic affairs and is highly sought for advice and leadership.

Peņa aims to inspire Americans who have lost faith in our country through his life's challenges and his regained optimism for America. He provides guidance for our nation's leaders with long-term strategies for the 21st Century.

Ultimately, he believes that if a boy from South Texas can make a difference...so can you.

About this title

About the Author

Federico Peņa has enjoyed success in law, politics and business. Born and raised in a South Texas border town, he has made Denver his home for nearly fifty years. Elected Mayor in 1983 during a disastrous recession, he managed to revitalize Denver with his vision of Imagine a Great City. He is credited with building Denver International Airport, bringing Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies to Denver and transforming Denver's Platte Valley and transforming 32 blocks into historic LoDo, the thriving urban mecca of housing and business that it is today. Federico served in two cabinet positions under President Bill Clinton, in Transportation and Energy and later as a Co-Chair of the Obama for President Campaign in 2008. Returning to Denver from Washington DC he has worked in private equity and impact investing and has served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards.With roots as a Civil Rights attorney, Federico continues to work for systemic change in education. He is a loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather and a grateful to be an adopted son of the great State of Colorado.

Edition details

• Publisher: Federico Pena
• Publication date: 2021
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0578925826
• ISBN 13: 9780578925820
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 306