Octavio is one of four siblings born of immigrant parents and raised in Iowa.  His mother and father came from Mexico and retained their resident-alien status for over 18 years.  They were unable to vote but their children could they were raised to understand how there voice mattered.

"It was always understood that we had a responsibility to vote and since my parents had not yet chosen to become citizens they were active in the community."

Octavio came to PEPP after eight years in the tech sector.  His passions include race equity and social justice. 

"As a youth I experienced hardship in the school system.  It's an upward battle to achieve racial equality."

Octavio enjoys biking, dancing and spending time with his family he is married and has 2 boys.