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The title, Not Bad for a South Texas Boy , comes from a note penned by Federico Pena’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 Pena 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, Pena 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, Pena, a successful businessman, remains engaged in local, national and civic affairs and is highly sought for advice and leadership.
Pena 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.
