Pride With Purpose

Hector is originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, by way of Colorado, and now resides in California.  Hector started his TV career as a cast Member of the Fox Kids Club at age 12 and went on to be A former TV show host of eight years, Hector has received both a Rocky Mountain Emmy and a Telly Award. At age 16, he released his first bilingual, self-titled album, which earned nominations for Male Vocalist of the Year and won Gospel Song of the Year at the Hispano Music Awards. 

Hector holds a degree in communications and a Master of Arts from New Mexico Highlands University (NMHU). While a student at NMHU, Hector was elected Student Body President and was featured in an MTV and LOGO documentary titled Latino Beginnings, running as the first openly gay candidate, 

After college, Hector went on to become Vice President and then President of Albuquerque Pride, served as President of the anti-bullying community group the New Mexico Coalition for Student Justice, and volunteered for Equality New Mexico. While President of Albuquerque Pride, Hector successfully brought back the New Mexico AIDS Walk and led the opening of the Pride Center's HIV/AIDS Food Pantry. He also worked as a business development specialist for the City of Albuquerque, helping to save hundreds of small businesses during the economic downturn of 2019. He later served as the Development Director for the state's largest day homeless shelter, St. Martin's, where he raised close to $1 million in revenue in just six months. 

Upon moving to Colorado, Hector quickly got involved in the local community. He became Mr. Rocky Mountain Shining Star, Mr. Gay World Colorado, and SW All American Gent, and he served as the face of the State of Colorado's Proud to be Prepped campaign. He worked as the Director of the Affordable Care Act program, serving Colorado's third-largest city, Aurora, alongside two adjacent counties. In this role, he was recognized by the Obama administration for running one of the top health enrollment programs in the country. 

Career highlights include having dinner with President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, serving as a graduation keynote speaker, and acting as a Pride Parade Grand Marshal. He was also appointed by then-Governor Bill Richardson to the State of New Mexico Higher Education Board and recognized as a rising leader by Common Bond New Mexico. 

A lifelong dedication to public service for the LGBTQI+ community is what drives Hector. He fought on the front lines for marriage equality, worked to end "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," and helped push legislation for statewide anti-bullying laws. He has spent significant time working with the LGBTQI+ unhoused population, documenting their experiences in various journals and publications. 

Hector has lived in California for two years, spending the last year and a half in Los Angeles. He has volunteered his time at Blatino Oasis in Palm Springs and for Black Pride. He maintains a robust social media presence with over 200,000 combined followers, using his platform to speak out against the inequalities facing marginalized groups across the country. 

"I am excited and humbled to be part of the movement that is LA Pride, and even more so by the diversity that makes up the LGBTQI+ community of this beautiful city." – Hector