Robert is a life long resident of the Santa Clara Valley and has served his community throughout his life. As a civil rights activist he has supported and participated with many local non-profits advocating for issues and quests important to the Latino community. He has served as a volunteer for Latinas Contra Cancer, El Toro Youth Association, The American GI Forum and many more. He currently serves as a member of San José Jazz and is extremely proud of its Progression Program that provide intensive youth development cultivating their gifts through music education and performance. Robert has also served as a Planning Commissioner for the County of Santa Clara and the City of Morgan Hill. He recently retired from his position of Deputy Director of Human Resources of the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Robert owned his own consulting business for 12 years and prior to that he was the President of San José Development Corporation, a San José based nonprofit whose endeavor was to develop and implement economic development strategies in low income neighborhoods. Robert received both an undergraduate and Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of San Francisco. As a member of the U.S. Army he served a tour of duty in South Vietnam. Robert continues to support many organizations throughout the Silicon Valley and will carry forward strong goals and objectives, fulfilling the philosophy that embraces the values of the José Valdés Math Institute.