Latinos in Massachusetts Electoral Politics: Tracing the Journey from Past to Future

Join the Frederick E. Berry Institute of Politics at 2:30-3:50 pm on Monday, February 5 for this event about the historical, present, and future landscape of Latinos in Massachusetts electoral politics. This driveby history will be guided by esteemed guest speakers who have played pivotal roles in shaping Latino representation in the political arena. From the groundbreaking election of Cesar Ruiz, Jr. as the first Latino member of the Springfield School Committee in 1980 to the current initiatives led by Andrew Melendez and Antonio Caban, our speakers bring a wealth of experience and insight. During this informative and inspirational event, you will gain valuable perspectives on the challenges faced, milestones achieved, and the trajectory of Latinos in electoral politics. This event will be in-person in the Martin Luther King, Jr. Room on the second floor of the Ellison Campus Center.

Speakers include:

• Caesar Ruiz, Jr., Founder of Hispanic Latino Leaders Now Political Action Committee
• Andrew Melendez, Founder/Director of the Latino Economic Development Corporation 
• Antonio Caban, Associate Vice President at 90 West 
• Moderated by Tomás Gonzalez, Berry IOP Fellow

RSVP to this event.

Cesar Ruiz, Jr., Founder of Hispanic Latino Leaders Now Political Action Committee

Cesar Ruiz was the first Hispanic person to hold public office in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the youngest at age 25, when he served as a Springfield Public Schools Board Member from 1980-1986. Since then he has worked to uplift Latino leaders in Massachusetts through his business leadership and political engagement. In 2023, he  announced the launch of the Hispanic Latino Leaders Now Political Action Committee (HLLNPAC) that aims to advance public policy that reflects the values and addresses issues important to Hispanic and Latino voters in Massachusetts and also to advance Hispanic/Latino candidates for office throughout the Commonwealth. Currently serving as the President and CEO of Golden Years Home Care, Ruiz leads an organization that provides quality and compassionate home care services to those who need assistance performing their day-to-day tasks due to disability, injury or aging. The organization was named Entrepreneur of the Year for 2020 by BusinessWest magazine. Ruiz was also featured by Hispanic Executive, a publication spotlighting business’s most influential Latinos. 

Andrew Melendez, Founder/Director of the Latino Economic Development Corporation 

Andrew Melendez is committed to supporting and uplifting businesses within the Latino community. Some notable achievements in the past year is his instrumental role in assisting over 300 businesses through the Latino Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). These businesses have benefited from his guidance, which has resulted in the injection of a substantial $2 million in capital funding. Prior to his role at the LEDC, Andrew Melendez served as the Chief Advancement Officer for PFC and its affiliates where he played a crucial role managing four non-profits with an annual revenue of $80 million. Andrew also served as the Western MA Director for the Associated Industries of Massachusetts, the largest business association in the state with over 700 members in his region. Andrew's background, including his roles as an Executive Director and Director of Diversity and Inclusion at the YMCA, uniquely positions him to understand and address the specific needs of communities in Western Massachusetts and Greater Boston. His ability to empathize with and respond to these needs has been a critical asset in his various leadership roles. His proactive approach, strategic vision, and commitment to economic empowerment make him a true driving force for positive change in the Commonwealth.

Antonio Caban, Associate Vice President at 90 West 

Antonio Caban is Associate Vice President at 90 West, a strategic communications firm in Boston, where he leverages more than a decade of experience in journalism, state government, and campaigns. A Brazilian native and adoptee, Antonio was raised in upstate New York, where he launched his decade-long award-winning career in media. He has worked for WTEN, Channel 7, and GBH as a producer and State House News Service as a multimedia and wire journalist. At GBH, he earned back-to-back Emmy awards as producer of the long-running media criticism show "Beat the Press." In 2019, he joined the Office of the Massachusetts State Senate President Karen E. Spilka as Deputy Communications Director, serving as a key advisor and media liaison on groundbreaking legislation. A proud graduate of Hudson Valley Community College, The College of Saint Rose, and The George Washington University, Antonio is the first in his family to achieve a master's degree. He also serves on the steering committee for the New Frontier Network at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library Foundation.