Mauricio Calvo: Championing Change and Empowering the Latinx Community in Memphis

From Near Closure to Empowering a Community: The Inspiring Leadership of Mauricio Calvo at Latino Memphis

Mauricio Calvo

In 2008, when Mauricio Calvo took the reins as the executive director of Latino Memphis, the organization was teetering on the edge of closure. With a meager budget, it was a critical juncture for this nonprofit. Mauricio, having served as a board member and a volunteer, stepped up to the challenge. He vividly remembers the state of affairs, describing it as being only “$4,000 to $5,000 away from closing.”

Under his leadership, Latino Memphis underwent a remarkable transformation. Today, it stands as a cornerstone in providing legal and social services to the Latinx community in Memphis. With two in-house attorneys, it serves as a guiding light to external resources and staunchly advocates for Latinx and immigration rights in the United States.

Over the past 14 years, Calvo has skillfully steered Latino Memphis to adapt to the evolving needs of the community. Their efforts extend from aiding job searches and assisting with DACA application renewals to partnering with the Memphis Fire Department for COVID-19 vaccinations.

But it’s not just about the services they provide; it’s also about building strong alliances and pushing for systemic change. Calvo emphasizes the importance of making friends and allies in every room, no matter how small the progress may seem. He envisions a future where Latinx representation in elected bodies is not only recognized but celebrated.

Calvo’s journey to Memphis from his hometown of Mexico City in 1997 was marked by its share of trials. After his student visa expired, he grappled to establish his own businesses in various sectors. He reflects on those days as a form of “street MBA,” an education earned through the tough lessons of entrepreneurship. Despite facing failures, Calvo’s determination and resilience shone through.

Today, as a father to three teenagers, he finds himself revisiting those trials. Sharing his experiences with his children, he realized the depth of the challenges he had surmounted. His story serves as a testament to his commitment to uplifting others and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has an opportunity to thrive.

Under Calvo’s stewardship, Latino Memphis has flourished. From the brink of closure, it now boasts an annual budget of $1.7 million. With this financial backing, Calvo envisions using the funds to further uplift the Latinx community in Memphis.

According to the U.S. Census, the Hispanic population in Memphis surged by nearly 50% from 2010 to 2020. This demographic shift compelled Latino Memphis to diversify and expand its services. Calvo acknowledges that different communities within the Latinx population have unique needs, and Latino Memphis is equipped to address them all.

Latino Memphis

Looking forward, Calvo is enthusiastic about launching programs aimed at fostering economic growth and stability within the Latinx community. His vision extends beyond the current services they offer. He dreams of a day when the work of Latino Memphis as a cultural center might no longer be needed, a day when the community stands strong and self-reliant.

In the words of Calvo, “The ultimate goal of Latino Memphis is to be out of business… At some point, we just need to disappear, but we’re not going to disappear until the work is done.”

Mauricio Calvo’s journey is not just a personal triumph, but a testament to the transformative power of dedication and community support. Through Latino Memphis, he has not only changed lives but also spearheaded a movement for lasting change and empowerment in the Latinx community of Memphis.

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