Ambassador Vasquez’s story captivates you with his humble attitude as he shares intriguing life lessons. His story is an inspiration to me and many others looking to change the world, as he dedicated his entire life to giving back to his country. He also emphasizes the virtue that, as United States citizens, we should be grateful for the numerous opportunities we have received. He explains, “We are blessed to live in a country where your dreams, your hopes, and your aspirations can become real.”
Family and Background
He grew up in Watsonville, California, and was raised by Christian pastors who ministered to the farm workers. They taught him the values of grit, faith, and hard work. He later applied these skills in life and took his parents’ lessons to heart.
He eventually moved to Orange, Calif., where he would thrive and discover his life’s goals and dreams. One of the most important people in his life was his high school world history teacher, who inspired him to pursue a career in government and peacemaking. He was the first person in his family to achieve a college degree.
He began his Career as a police officer with the City of Orange, serving and protecting his community with passion and dedication. In 1987, he became the first Latino to be appointed to the Orange County Board of Supervisors, where he learned how to lead others and was inspired to pursue a career in government.
Peace Corps
In 2002, he was appointed as the Director of the Peace Corps by former President George W. Bush. His job was to ensure the safety of the volunteers, as he says, they “are the bloodstream of the Peace Corps”. He was appointed a few months after the tragedy of the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, and saw that after the attacks, a massive influx of people joined the corps to help our country. In the Peace Corps, he accomplished many incredible feats, such as expanding it to 78 countries and re-entering twenty-one countries.
Additionally, Ambassador Vasquez played a key role in launching the Global AIDS Program, which saved the lives of thousands of people. He emphasized to people from all over the world that Americans are more than just a culture; it is a combination of cultures from around the world.
United Nations
President George W. Bush noticed Gaddi’s work ethic and leadership skills during his time at the Peace Corps. In 2006, he appointed Gaddi to the United Nations as the Ambassador of the United States. As a member of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, he focused on combating global hunger. Furthermore, he said: “There was a major outbreak of pirating ships, and assaults on humanitarian workers.”
He was the voice that advocated for enhancing the safety of the UN volunteers, who provided food to the places around the world that needed it most. He was the voice of people who could not speak for themselves, as he would fight against hunger in famished countries. He traveled to many countries around the world, including Thailand, Jamaica, and Honduras. Ambassador Vasquez showed his heartfelt concern for people in desperate need around the world and was willing to make sacrifices on their behalf.
Achievements and Awards
Ambassador Vasquez achieved international recognition by receiving multiple honorary doctorates and awards for his distinguished public service and advocacy. Yet the Ambassador never forgot his Latino roots. He co-founded the Hispanic Educational Endowment Fund, which has awarded over $4 million to Latino kids throughout Orange County to pursue their dreams and careers. He also encourages today’s generation of Latino leaders and scholars to follow a similar path and never forget their family heritage.
Ambassador Vasquez has received many awards throughout his career, including the Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2014, the Bill of Rights Award in 2016, and the Globe and Anchor Award. He currently serves on the board of prominent organizations, including Chapman University and the Orange County Community Foundation. He understands that education will be the driving factor for the future of American youth.
Generational Impact
Gaddi Vaquez represents the story of a man who came from a humble beginning to serve his country and the world. Despite international recognition, he never forgot his Latino roots or his Christian values. He helped millions of people around the world by fighting hunger, providing education opportunities, and inspiring them to work hard and follow God’s plan for their lives. Ambassador Vasquez is a leader and role model for not just Latinos but for all United States citizens, inspiring them to pursue excellence in academics and make a positive impact on the world.
