Eric Lopez’s Vision for Advancing Hispanic Leadership in Local Government
- Catherine Huckaby
- Dec 19, 2024
- 7 min read
Updated: Mar 22
What inspires someone to leave behind the familiar comforts of his country, step into the unknown, and take on challenges that most would shy away from? For Eric Lopez, it was the drive to provide better opportunities for his family. A dedicated leader with almost two decades of experience, Eric has spent his career breaking barriers, enhancing community well-being, and nurturing the next generation of park and recreation professionals.
His journey is a remarkable blend of personal resilience, professional growth, and a steadfast commitment to service. From his early days in Puerto Rico to becoming a trailblazer for the thirteenth largest city in the United States, his story illustrates how purpose and passion can lead to profound community impact.
In this blog, we will explore the pivotal moments that helped shape his career, the challenges he faced head-on, and several insights he shares for those considering a career in public service.
A Journey Fueled by Community and Passion
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Eric started his career as a teacher before transitioning into nonprofit work with the Salvation Army. It was here that he found his calling in management and community service. As he led after-school programs and launched a daycare and learning center, he realized the power of community-focused initiatives.
Reflecting on his early experiences, he recalls how his leadership skills were pointed out by others during his first job at a department store, where he was tasked with overseeing a night-shift maintenance team at the age of seventeen. This early exposure to leadership laid the foundation for his future roles.
“I discovered that I had leadership skills early on.
Even if I wasn’t the best player on the field or the most experienced person at work,
I found myself in roles where I could influence outcomes.”
This natural ability to lead and influence others drove him to pursue further education, earning a master’s degree and later certifications in park and recreation. His goal? To serve his community at a higher level and create meaningful change.
Overcoming Challenges: From Puerto Rico to College and Learning English
He points out that the decision to attend college was not always part of his plan. In high school, he found himself veering off the academic path, uncertain of his future. However, it was the encouragement of his then-girlfriend (now wife) that motivated him to pursue higher education.
"At one point, I thought I wasn’t going to college, but my wife had college aspirations, and I didn’t want to stay behind in life."
He decided to study physical education, but one major challenge stood in his way: learning English. Having grown up in Puerto Rico, where Spanish is the primary language, he struggled with the English language. Although he had taken English classes from an early age, they were basic and not enough to prepare him for the demands of college, where many of his textbooks and classes were in English.
“I had to be intentional about learning English. My wife was already bilingual, so we made a conscious effort to improve my language skills.”
Together, they watched movies in English with English subtitles, read self-development books, and practiced speaking the language at home. He credits his wife for her constant support and patience during this challenging period. “She would correct me all the time, especially with my past tense verbs,” he laughed.
Through sheer determination and the support of his wife, he mastered English and went on to complete his degree. This experience not only strengthened their relationship but also helped shape his future career, where bilingualism became an asset in his leadership roles.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Opportunities
After college, Eric started his career as a teacher before transitioning into seven years of nonprofit work with the Salvation Army. It was here that he found his calling in management and community service. As he led after-school programs and launched a daycare and learning center, he realized the power of community-focused initiatives.
The decision to move to the United States for a new opportunity was a challenge for him and his young family. He applied, interviewed via Skype, and offered the position without ever stepping foot in Fort Worth, Texas. He had never visited the state, nor did he have any known family or connections when he accepted the position. But driven by faith and a desire to create a better life for his family, he took a giant leap and started planning his new adventure.
It was after a quick post he made on Facebook telling their family and friends about their news, that a family friend reached out and offered a place for him to stay near his new job with the City of Fort Worth until he could find his housing. He vividly recalls his early days in Texas, staying with someone he had not spoken to in years, navigating the complexities of settling into an unfamiliar environment with his wife and young children and watching things somehow fall into place.
Despite a few challenges, he began to thrive in his new career. It was not long before he secured a promotion as a community center coordinator and quickly rose through the ranks. His work ethic and leadership skills earned him the trust of his supervisors, leading to another promotion to interim superintendent in 2019.
One of his most notable achievements was leading a project to transition the Community Action Partners (CAP) Program from an in-person application process to a fully virtual one, allowing the organization to process three times the number of applications during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. The program provides comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged individuals, families, and older adults, including energy assistance, rental assistance, and mortgage assistance, and proved invaluable during this pivotal time.
Reflecting on the experience, he shared,
“We jumped from 6,000 applications in 2020 to 18,000 in 2021. It was a challenging project, but the impact we were able to make in helping families during a time of crisis was incredibly rewarding.”
Building Bridges for the Hispanic Community
It was through this experience and others, that his passion for uplifting the Hispanic community in his field was born. In 2022, he and several colleagues, founded Hispanic Professionals in Park and Recreation (HPPR), an organization focused on equipping and developing Hispanic individuals in the park and recreation industry. Recognizing the underrepresentation of Hispanics in leadership positions, HPPR's mission is to build a pipeline for future leaders.
“We noticed that while there was a lot of Hispanic representation at the entry level, there was a significant lack of representation at higher levels. We wanted to change that and provide resources and networking opportunities to help our peers grow into those leadership roles.”
Through his work with HPPR, Eric has been instrumental in creating opportunities for Hispanic professionals to advance their careers. One of the organization’s major initiatives has been collaborating with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) to translate certification programs into Spanish. This project is expected to open doors for many professionals who otherwise would not have had access to these certifications due to language barriers.
His leadership does not stop there. He recently became the first person to present a session in Spanish at NRPA’s annual conference, making history and paving the way for future generations.
Lessons from a Leader: Key Advice from Eric
His journey offers invaluable insights for those looking to make a difference in their communities and advance their careers in local government. Here are some of his top pieces of advice:
Believe in Yourself
“The first step to success is believing that you have a place in this world and can make a difference. Whether you’re aspiring to lead in local government or any other field, you must trust in your abilities.”
Embrace Lifelong Learning
Eric emphasizes the importance of continuous growth. He is an avid reader, often recommending books to his staff and mentees. “Never stop learning. The more you invest in yourself, the more equipped you’ll be to lead and serve others.”
Build Relationships and Trust
“Trust is the foundation of any successful organization. You cannot lead without building trust with your team and community.” He advises leaders to focus on listening and understanding the needs of those they serve. “You have to be intentional about listening - not just to reply, but to truly understand.”
Seize Opportunities for Professional Growth
Eric is a strong advocate for professional certifications and networking. He credits his career advancement to his commitment to certifications like the Certified Park and Recreation Executive (CPRE), which helped open doors to leadership opportunities. “Find the certifications and training that will set you apart and make you the best version of yourself.”
Give Back and Invest in Others
One of Eric’s greatest joys has been mentoring others and seeing them succeed. “It’s like planting a seed and watching it grow,” he says. He encourages leaders to invest in their teams and provide growth opportunities.
The Future of Park and Recreation: A Vision for Inclusivity
As Eric Lopez looks to the future, he is committed to ensuring that parks and recreation services are accessible and inclusive for all communities. He also believes that representation matters and is passionate about empowering the next generation of Hispanic leaders.
For those considering a career in public service, Eric offers this final piece of advice: “
There are so many opportunities to make a difference in local government. Whether it is through parks and recreation, community engagement, or public safety, there is a role for everyone. Find what you are passionate about, equip yourself with the right tools, and go for it.”
Additional Resources
Here are some organizations and resources Eric mentioned throughout his interview:
Hispanic Professionals in Park and Recreation (HPPR): A nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop, empower, connect, and create a forum for Hispanics in the parks and recreation profession.
National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA): The leading non-profit organization advances its mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals, providing professional development, advocacy, grants, programs, research, and publications to support the field.
Community Action Partners (CAP) Program: This City of Fort Worth, Texas program provides comprehensive services to economically disadvantaged individuals, families, and older adults, including energy assistance, rental assistance, and mortgage assistance for those living in Tarrant County, Texas. CAP programs also exist nationwide as part of the Community Action Agency network.
Books:
The Power of Giving Away Power by Matthew Barzun
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
Hidden Potential by Adam Grant
Winning with People by John Maxwell
The Compassionate Achiever by Christopher Kukk
