Paco Vélez

President & CEO, Feeding South Florida, Pembroke Park

Feeding South Florida starts by providing families with food to stabilize a household. After stabilizing a household, FSF helps families build a foundation of support by assisting families with federal benefits and life skills. Lastly, FSF works to move families to economic independence by assisting with workforce development programs and case management.

EDUCATION: Baylor University (BS)

IF I WERE GOVERNOR: I would prioritize insuring personal freedoms with a focus on affordable living.

MENTOR: I believe everyone can be a mentor, regardless of where they work or what they do. I observe people around me and learn how to approach, how to listen, how to coach, and how to encourage in ways that are meaningful and receptive to others.

INSPIRING FLORIDIAN: Billy Powell, a.k.a. Chief Osceola. After attempts by the federal government to relocate tribes to Oklahoma, Chief Osceola fought for his tribe and other tribes across South Florida to remain in the tribal lands of their ancestors.

WHAT I’VE LEARNED: If you want people to listen and understand you, you have a responsibility to listen to and understand them to better lay the groundwork for your thoughts.