Candidate for
Council Member; City of Oakland; Council District 5

Growing up as a young immigrant from Honduras to the Fruitvale, Mario Juarez was determined to be part of revitalizing this once depressed area. This neighborhood he calls home is now the second highest revenue tax producing district in the City of Oakland. Growing up in one of Oakland's poorest sections was a badge of honor, not an obstacle to Mario, and one of the reasons for starting his company in the part of Oakland that he so much loves.

Mario beat incredible survival odds. At age twenty-one his mother told him that he was adopted when, single, poor and just seventeen years old she rescued him from certain death at the hands of his birth mother. He had grown up in an incredibly loving family and this new knowledge further awakened Mario to the true meaning and value of sacrifice and commitment. Mario's beloved grandmother Maria taught him that his "borrowed" last name should always be cherished, respected and treated with honor. Lessons learned from these two strong women have led Mario Juarez to commit himself to unconditionally giving much back to the greater community.

Seeking a better life for both of them, Mario's mother brought him to America when he was very young. While she managed to generate a meager living from sewing, Mario attended Hawthorne Elementary, Calvin Simmons Middle and Fremont High Schools. His next job was at a bank as a fast-tracked junior executive. The bank closed and Mario took his first entrepreneurial step opening a recovery company that, instead of pursuing debtors, specialized in packaging problematic loans. Mario sold that company, bought another, and learned the hard way that success is not always guaranteed. However, Mario never gave up and remained confident in his abilities. "What I do, I do well. Even though I was momentarily down, I always had my God-given ability to create and do", says Mario.

Mario was able to continue his dreams by building a Class A real estate office for minorities in the Fruitvale. Starting with only two agents, Mario quickly exceeded all established performance benchmarks. He continues to live according to one of the best lessons he has learned; to be humble, ever appreciative and respectful of people no matter their position in life.

Clearly evident is Mario's commitment to inclusion, empowerment, employee support and Oakland. His staff members are mostly local residents and women of Color. They are empowered through on-going training and a clear understanding of company growth opportunities. Parents are even allowed to bring their children to work and an on-site, equipped play area is available.

Mario Juarez currently serves on the City of Oakland Workforce Investment Board. He was a member of the Unity Council Board of Directors, City of Oakland Parks and Recreation Commission, Hispanic Chamber Commerce of Alameda County and served on numerous other boards and commissions. He is licensed by the California Department of Real Estate; and a member of the National Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors and Bay East Association of Realtors.

His four beautiful children are Mario's real pride: Mario Antonio now ten years old; Carolina eight; Xitlali just over two years young; and Roberto who just turned one. Mario was recently engaged and his family also includes Solovino, a ten-year old, recently adopted shelter dog. "Everything I do + I do it with love for my profession, my employees, my clients, and most importantly my family" says Mario