Gustavo Velasquez facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Gustavo Velasquez
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| Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity | |
| In office June 24, 2014 – January 20, 2017 |
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| President | Barack Obama |
| Preceded by | John D. Trasviña |
| Succeeded by | Anna María Farías |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 1, 1972 Oaxaca, Mexico |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Pennsylvania (BA, MPA) |
Gustavo F. Velasquez is an important government official who has worked to help people find fair housing. He is currently the Director of the California Department of Housing & Community Development. Before that, from 2014 to 2017, he worked for the United States government. He was the Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. This means he helped make sure everyone had a fair chance to find a home, no matter who they are.
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Early Life and Education
Gustavo Velasquez was born in Oaxaca, Mexico, in 1972. He moved to the United States and later attended the University of Pennsylvania. There, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration and Political Science. He also received a Master's Degree in Government Administration.
Velasquez continued his studies at the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Business. He completed a special program focused on strategic planning and business transformation. This education helped him prepare for his future roles in public service.
Career Highlights
Gustavo Velasquez has dedicated his career to public service and helping communities. He worked for several organizations that support people and ensure fair treatment.
Early Career
He started his career working for Congreso de Latinos Unidos in Philadelphia. This organization helps Latino communities. Later, he served as the Director of the District of Columbia Office of Latino Affairs (OLA). He also led the Office of Human Rights (OHR) in Washington, D.C. These roles focused on protecting people's rights and supporting diverse groups.
Velasquez also served as the Executive Director of the Latino Economic Development Center (LEDC). This center helps Latino families and businesses grow and succeed.
Working for the U.S. Government
On January 16, 2014, President Obama chose Gustavo Velasquez for a big job. He nominated him to be the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. This office is part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Its main goal is to fight housing discrimination.
The U.S. Senate approved his nomination on June 19, 2014. Velasquez served in this important role until January 20, 2017. He worked to ensure that all people had equal access to housing, regardless of their background.
Current Role in California
On April 2, 2020, California Governor Gavin Newsom appointed Velasquez to another key position. He became the Director of the California Department of Housing & Community Development. In this role, he works to address housing needs and challenges across California.
