Jorge M. and Darlene Perez

My mother would always talk to me about how societies that had these huge levels of inequality right, could not sustain.

And that was the reason that we had, you know, great upheavals like we continue to have in Latin America.

I come from a family also very loving and giving; a sister who was mentally and physically challenged.

And I think that it was very part of our, our family to give back always; culturally it was to our church.

And I’m sure that had a lot to do with my chosen profession and the passion of being a nurse and always giving back is, it was incredibly rewarding and, and something that we’ve always loved to do.

Art became very important to me because it gave me a sense of place, it gave me a sense of what my culture was, and I think it made me understand the world around me better.

And I felt that if art was not just something for the wealthy, that if it could be shared, you know, particularly minority African American or, or Hispanics that came to United States, I think if they were exposed to art like I was, it was going to help them better understand their culture.

You know, George was the entry point, but it really has become an incredible family thing and has laid a path for many of us to think through the issues of our time, to think through how art can be a part of our lives.

Basic skills lab all are future nurses.

Whether you are a nurse practitioner or a nurse anesthetist or just in a BSN program rotate through this basic skills lab.

I think that being able to, not only, and I’m proud of it, the whole family, not only giving of they said to treasures, but giving of the time.

And because we relate to get engaged with those organizations, that we help.

My dad wanting to have us all together to talk. He said that he wanted to give a way to philanthropy and I think that we can apply everything that he does with philanthropy into whatever field we decide to focus in or whatever focus areas we’re in. Like my brothers can focus it into their new buildings and I focus it into arts and education.

I think that whatever way we decide to further his legacy or the philanthropy, his legacy will be with us.

And I had a more personal connection through the George and Darlene Perez Graduation Scholar award that I had the opportunity to apply to and was awarded in 2019.

That’s again, part of the reason why I even applied for the award.

I felt that our values towards commitment to our community and to service however that may look really did align so perfectly.

And although I may not be able to do exactly what the foundation’s able to do, I hope to do my small part for the community in the way that they’ve done a large part for them.

We want to give back, we want to make a difference, and we want that to make others that are in the same position give back and make a difference in their communities and that legacy that we will always have because of him.

If I remember when I joined the Giving Pledge, there was no Latins in the given level, though we have very, very wealthy billionaires in Latin America and in the United States that are of Latin descent.

So it was very important for me to show, you know, Latin Americans that we needed to become part of this society.

If you could talk to your mom right now and she could see what you’ve accomplished, what would you say?

I, I would say that I’m, you know, that I hope I followed everything that she taught me.