Berto Aguayo is the executive director of Increase The Peace Chicago, which is dedicated to developing young leaders and promoting peace through community organizing and advocating for solutions that go after the root causes of violence. The organization has directed more than seven hundred youth toward positive pathways through employment opportunities and civic leadership training.
What is your greatest career accomplishment to date?
My greatest accomplishment to date is working myself out of a job, passing the torch, and creating space for other young people to lead. As I transition onto the board of directors of the organization I cofounded, someone that has come through our youth programs will be taking over my role.
Moreover, every member of our team has gone through one of our youth programs. And, out of the seven hundred young leaders we have helped, some have gone on the become elected officials, nonprofit leaders, and business owners.
What is your greatest personal accomplishment to date?
My greatest personal accomplishment is becoming the person that I needed when I was younger by providing the opportunities I didn’t have and the mentorship I wish I had.
What do you do today to impact your community?
With the help of many others, I mentor young people, I started an LSAT prep scholarship for students that want to go into law school, and we host a legal aid clinic to connect community member to free legal services.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I hope to be a better advocate and a better person.
What is the biggest issue that you want to help solve, and why?
I want to ensure that every young person is free from the threat of gun violence and to be able to live in a country where their access to opportunities is not dictated by their zip code.
What is a moment when you realized the impact of your work?
In the immediate aftermath of the George Floyd uprisings, there was tension between Black and Brown communities in the Southside of Chicago. We responded by organizing the first-ever Black and Brown Unity Car Parade. Over five hundred cars showed up in a beautiful display of multicultural unity. When I saw that, it was one of those moments that I realized I was put on this earth for a reason.
Who inspires your leadership?
My mom. She is a hairdresser, and she is one of the best leaders I know. She is widely known in our community because she helps everyone. As a hairdresser, she does more than just cut hair. She listens to people’s problems, connects them to resources, and always goes out of her to make people feel welcomed.
What is a surprising hobby or interest that helps you stay creative and energized?
My hobbies consist of 5:00 a.m. workouts, long-distance running, and watching ESPN FC for soccer highlights and commentary.
What is your Latino background?
I am Mexican American born and raised in the Southside of Chicago. My mom was raised in Zacatecas, Mexico, and she came to the US when she was sixteen years old and pregnant with me.
What song do you listen to that motivates you?
“NUEVA VIDA” by Peso Pluma.
