Emilio was born in Repueblo de Oriente, a small township in Nuevo Leon, Mexico. He grew up as a migrant farm worker migrating between Minnesota, Washington and California. His parents settled permanently in Moses Lake, Washington, and that became home for him and his brothers and sisters. After graduating from the University of Washington, he started working with clients and families in behavioral health, which helped him understand the power of hope, resiliency and community. Emilio worked for the state of Washington in social services, and through there he served in many nonprofit boards, especially in nonprofits with a mission of education and community supports. His work with nonprofits motivated him to achieve a graduate education with a specialty in nonprofit management and leadership. Emilio hopes to leverage his background and knowledge to support students and their families to be successful in education and life. Outside of work Emilio enjoys woodworking, family time with his wife Quina and grandchildren, and community gatherings.