Hector was born in El Salvador and diagnosed with a rare genetic condition, Spondyloepiphyseal Dysplasia, a congenital disorder that affects skeletal development and presents significant health challenges. With limited medical resources available in his home country, Hector and his mother, Amanda, relocated to Cambridge, Massachusetts in pursuit of better healthcare and a brighter future.
Hector flourished academically and socially within the Cambridge Public Schools, where his commitment to justice, equity, and community quickly became evident. Supported by educators who encouraged his potential, Hector developed a deep sense of purpose grounded in gratitude and a responsibility to give back.
He went on to attend Hamilton College as a Posse Scholar—an honor recognizing leadership potential among students whose talents are often overlooked by traditional admissions models. Hector graduated in 2008 with a degree in Women’s Studies and Education. During his time at Hamilton, he became a founding member of La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity, Incorporated, an organization dedicated to academic excellence and service within the Latino community. He also founded The Young People’s Project at Hamilton College, an initiative promoting civic engagement and mathematical literacy among youth in Utica, New York.
Today, as a proud son of Cambridge with Salvadoran roots, Hector’s commitment to service extends to his work on multiple nonprofit boards and civic committees. He is dedicated to “changing the way change happens” by expanding access to civic engagement, workforce development, and leadership opportunities for Cambridge residents. Guided by his personal philosophy of “by any DREAMS necessary,” Hector continues to uplift his family, friends, and community through compassion, advocacy, and transformational leadership.