Through the Community Integration Plan, developed through the Supporting Immigrant and Refuges Initiative by the Colorado Trust, Summit County identified more than 50 activities to meet the outcome of increased integration among all community members. The plan has three major components: education and employment, cultural competency and leadership development. In this monthly feature, Summit County honors the outstanding efforts of heroes working toward community integration.Who is Julio?Decade born: 1970sBorn and raised: Mexico City / Summit CountyFavorite leader: My parentsFavorite book: “Ansiedad que Persigue”Hobbies: Play with my daughter, soccer, coaching, musicPassionate about: My family Favorite cultural activity: Global activities (Anything that involves people from around the planet). Languages spoken or wish to be spoken: Speak English and Spanish and would like to learn Italian and PortugueseIn your opinion, what is the best thing about being a part of the Summit County community?Everybody is super friendly, people get along very well, work together, play together and that makes you feel like you have a huge family. How do you supportpromote integration in your everyday life?Basically participating and volunteering on any multi-cultural events, serving as a translator and interpreter for those Spanish-speaking families who do not speak English and need assistance. How would you explain your philosophy in regard to community involvement?As a Latino outreach coordinator for the High Country Soccer Association my goal is to see more Hispanic families involved in our programs, make them understand that Summit County has equal opportunities for everybody and that it does not matter what your background is.

Favorite book: “Ansiedad que Persigue”Hobbies: Play with my daughter, soccer, coaching, musicPassionate about: My family Favorite cultural activity: Global activities (Anything that involves people from around the planet). Languages spoken or wish to be spoken: Speak English and Spanish and would like to learn Italian and PortugueseIn your opinion, what is the best thing about being a part of the Summit County community?

Everybody is super friendly, people get along very well, work together, play together and that makes you feel like you have a huge family. How do you supportpromote integration in your everyday life?Basically participating and volunteering on any multi-cultural events, serving as a translator and interpreter for those Spanish-speaking families who do not speak English and need assistance.

Share an experience that has had an impact on you in regard to integration.The entire “Conexión de Fútbol program.” It was just amazing to see the kids interact with the police officers and Sheriff John Minor while learning and playing soccer. I noticed a lot of the participants understood the whole idea about the program, and the attendance increased week by week, 90 percent of the participants were Hispanic, it was a super positive experience to see how well they interact and get along, they also had the opportunity to make new friends, and the most important thing, making better decisions.

What words of wisdom would you pass onto the community to get more people involved in Summit County’s integration efforts?Help without expecting to get anything back, do it because you want to do it, get involved and be a part of it.If you have any questions, have suggestions for next month’s hero or would like to get involved, call Erin Head at (970) 262-3888, ext. 315.