Gilbert Chávez
(130 pages)
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Biography:
Mr. Chávez discusses his 32-year career in federal government service. He details the history of Mexican Americans in federal public service and describes the problems they face as federal employees. He talks about the characteristics of federal employment and federal civil service salary structure. Mr. Chávez elaborates upon the many Hispanic minority programs he helped to develop and direct during his tenure at the federal level. He talks about National IMAGE, Inc. and its mission to increase the presence of Mexican Americans and other Hispanic groups in federal government employment. In addition, Mr. Chávez tells about his work with Boys Clubs, Head Start programs, Project SER, the Border Patrol, the Southwestern Interstate Migrant Association (SWIMA), the National Hispanic Scholarship Fund, the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), the National Association of Hispanic Public Executives, and the Senior Executive Service (SES) of the United States Department of Justice. He talks about his family history and genealogy and his accomplishments as a young adult boxing champion. He tells about his family's financial struggles and the measures he took to contribute to the family income. Mr. Chávez concludes the interview by giving his opinion on the most significant Mexican American leaders and organizations in the United States today.
Interview Summary:
Born in 1931 in Cottonwood, Arizona. Mr. Chávez was the Regional Director for the Community Relations Service for the United States Department of Justice, Southwest Regional Office in Dallas, Texas since 1992. He was also the Vice National President of the National Association of Hispanic Public Executives, and a former President of Incorporated Mexican American Government Employees (IMAGE). He served in various administrative leadership roles for 32 years as a United States federal employee. Mr. Chávez also served in the United States Air Force. He earned a B.A. and a M.A. from Arizona State University.
Locations of residence or activity:
Dallas
Interview Date:
11/30/1997