❝
Be driven by purpose. Provide the world with impact. The reward will be returned in kind.
Miguel Gamiño Jr.
A brief look.
"Raised in El Paso, I consider this city of 800,000 to be the bedrock of my journey. My time at the University of Texas at El Paso, where I earned a degree in accounting and computer information systems, was pivotal in shaping my approach to innovation while being mindful of fiscal responsibility. Shortly after graduating, I embarked on launching a tech startup, joining a vibrant community of local entrepreneurs, including Beto O’Rourke. Although our startups were competitors at the time, we’ve since collaborated on various initiatives to enhance El Paso’s economic landscape and continue to support each other’s efforts."
""As a UTEP graduate, I'm always grateful for the opportunity to return to campus and give back in various ways. I serve on advisory committees and engage with students, sharing the experiences and insights I've gained throughout my career. It's a privilege to offer guidance and support as they navigate their own professional journeys."
"During my TED Talk in El Paso, I explored the profound impact of empathy and how understanding one another can significantly advance our collective progress. Reflecting on my experiences, including how fortunate I felt growing up in El Paso with my grandfather raised across the border in Juárez, I realized the power of perspective. My talk emphasized that true progress comes from immersing ourselves in each other's experiences and embracing empathy. We can bridge gaps and achieve far greater outcomes by fostering genuine connections and understanding."
"I've always had a deep passion for cars, and race car driving captivates me with its unique blend of analytical precision and raw, thrilling instinct. How you must balance meticulous strategy with spontaneous, split-second decisions makes it passionate and incredibly rewarding. There's something exhilarating about mastering the technical aspects while embracing the track's unpredictable nature. Something similar to life."
"In my role at Mastercard, I saw firsthand how cities respond to our evolving efforts. Through our CityPossible initiative within the Enterprise Partnerships division, we worked to address urbanization challenges in a way that benefits both cities and Mastercard. "Doing well by doing good" reflects the belief that by helping cities grow inclusively, we contribute to their economic development and create opportunities for our business growth.
My experience with city governments around the world has been instrumental in shaping our approach. While each city's approach to improving quality of life varies, the overarching goal remains the same: enhancing the well-being of residents. "
"In my experience working in local government, I’ve found that personal relationships are crucial for driving meaningful change. Building strong connections with others can profoundly impact our ability to take initiative and effect positive change. A prime example of this is my collaboration with Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. Working closely with him, I’ve seen firsthand how a solid, trusting relationship can amplify efforts to transform communities and address local challenges. These connections not only foster a collaborative environment but also enhance our capacity to innovate and implement solutions that truly make a difference."