HAA Board of Directors Nomination Form Officer Position Sought ...

HAA Board of Directors Nomination Form
Officer Position Sought: Vice-Chairperson for Community Relations
Name: Miguel J. Aviles-Perez
Year(s) of HACU Participation: Summer 2007
Type of HACU Participation: Internship
Current Occupation: Department of Defense, Human Resources Specialist - Recruitment
Education: University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez, Bachelor in Science of Business
Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Marketing
Other: (Accomplishments, Honors, etc.)
• Excellence in Volunteerism Medal, American Red Cross
• Selected for the Senior Executive Association & the Young Government Leaders
Association Mentoring Program
• Graduated from the Defense Civilian Emerging Leader Program
• Communications Team Special Act Award
• Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Honorary Award for Excellence in Team Work
CPMS
• Director’s Honorary Award for Rookie of the Year 2010
• Leadership Award, Lions Club
Platform:
When I started my career as a HACU intern in the US Department of Agriculture I wrote, “While
others sit down and watch, leaders stand up and take action. We organize, renew, motivate and
work hard. Through time we go back and evaluate our actions and observe how the arid fields
bloom”. That’s why I am seeking the position with the HAA, because I believe you can
accomplish your mission while you help your community. Growing up in a small island with
limited opportunities, obstacles and fears, I learned how to be passionate. This kind of
environment helped me develop a contagious positivism and a "todo es posible” attitude.
After devoting 5 years working with a unique cadre of students in the Student Training and
Academic Recruitment (STAR) Program, my most important accomplishment has been coaching
and helping a generation of students to professionally grow and achieve their career dreams.
Managing a team located across the United States and Puerto Rico has allowed me to develop
essential and innovative social skills aiming to strengthen our community. I have developed and
nurtured strategic relationships with Hispanic Serving Institutions, Historically Black Colleges
and Universities, non-profit organizations like LULAC and Heroes and Heritage, several Federal

Agencies and Hispanic religious entities. I am active member of the National Speaker
Association, which allows me to connect with hundred of trainers, coachers and professional
speakers for our future training events. I am also the president of a Toastmaster International
Club. This opportunity has taught me to communicate in front of people and to learn how to
deliver a message. I have participated and managed more than 30 hiring events in different cities
around United States. Pulling together a unique cadre of influencers, resulting in multiple job
opportunities. All these relationships have resulted in a strong network of leaders seeking to
make the difference in our community.
My experience will bring to the HAA the capacity of connecting alumni all over the country to
act as one body. Body that have the energy to serve as a catalyst to stand up and make change
happen. As a Vice-Chair of Community Affairs I will activate our network to create enriching
social events like a mentoring program, happy hours, training sessions, career fairs, graduate
school expos, partnerships with charities, federal and corporate associations, not only in the
National Capital Region but also in cities around United States and Puerto Rico.
The future is our tomorrow’s present; the Hispanic community is already a majority and we are
starting the journey, because 20 years from now Hispanics will be the mainstream. We have the
power to change the now, to work hard for our community, to develop enduring relationships
and to start building our tomorrow together. Doing nothing is not an option; please allow me the
opportunity to serve you.