Life & Work with Raymiro Gomez-galiano of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymiro Gomez-galiano

Hi Raymiro, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The NewColorsProject was born during one of the most challenging times of my life, both personally and globally. I founded the organization on May 21st, 2020, right in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, I had just started my journey at the University of Southern California (USC), pursuing higher education as the first person in my family to attend college. Navigating USC’s academic rigor was an immense challenge on its own, but doing so during a global crisis brought entirely new pressures. Like many students, I faced the uncertainties of remote learning, social isolation, and the weight of the pandemic, but I was also driven by a deeper purpose.

The pandemic exposed the many inequities within our communities, especially for undocumented individuals and families struggling with limited access to resources. This was the moment I realized that the need for support and empowerment within these communities was more urgent than ever. That realization became the spark for the NewColorsProject, which I envisioned as a platform to uplift those often overlooked.

By August 19th, 2020, I formalized NewColorsProject as a community organization, and just three months later, we gained federal recognition as a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation. Despite the pandemic’s challenges, I launched Aprende Inglés, a virtual English academy, offering language education to over 50 Spanish-speaking adults, helping them gain the skills needed to unlock new opportunities. This work became my source of strength during the pandemic, and my mission to empower youth and families continued to grow alongside my own educational journey at USC.

The experience of building NewColorsProject during such an unprecedented time was transformative. It taught me the power of resilience, community, and service. Today, we continue to offer educational programs like college-prep workshops, field trips, and career readiness support, with the unwavering goal of creating opportunities for youth and reigniting familial connections. Looking back, the struggles I faced as a college student and the challenges of the pandemic became the foundation for something greater—an organization that would make a lasting impact on my community.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The journey to building NewColorsProject has been anything but smooth, and the challenges have only fueled my commitment to the cause. As a first-generation college student at USC, balancing academics and the responsibilities of running a nonprofit was overwhelming at times. I was navigating the complexities of higher education while also trying to address deep-rooted issues in my community, such as the lack of access to educational resources for undocumented individuals and low-income families. The early days of the pandemic made this even more difficult, as the shift to remote learning and virtual operations created barriers to connecting with students, volunteers, and community members.

One of the biggest struggles was gaining the trust and engagement of the community during a time of heightened fear and uncertainty. Many of the individuals we serve through the NewColorsProject are undocumented, and the pandemic exacerbated their vulnerabilities—healthcare, employment, and education were all more difficult to access. Despite our mission to help, many were hesitant to participate or get involved due to concerns about their status, safety, and the overwhelming challenges they were facing. I had to find innovative ways to meet people where they were, often working late into the night to establish trust, provide reassurance, and offer virtual programs that fit their needs.

Additionally, growing a nonprofit from the ground up required financial sustainability, a challenge made more complicated by the pandemic. Securing grants, fundraising, and building partnerships took a lot of time and effort, all while I was balancing a demanding academic workload. Thankfully, my leadership experience from my roles at LA Metro and the AV Chambers of Commerce gave me the skills I needed to strategize and build strong community partnerships. This experience helped me develop the professional acumen required to keep NewColorsProject afloat, and I was able to use my experience in event planning, budgeting, and community engagement to secure the funding needed to expand our programs.

At times, I felt stretched thin—juggling full-time coursework, an internship, and the rapid growth of NewColorsProject. However, these struggles helped me refine my time-management skills and taught me the importance of resilience and persistence. Looking back, while the road has been difficult, each challenge has strengthened my resolve to create lasting change in the lives of underserved youth and families.

Today, NewColorsProject continues to grow, thanks to the dedication of our team and volunteers. We’ve built partnerships with local businesses, universities, and community organizations, and have successfully expanded our programs to include immersive college-prep workshops, field trips, and English tutoring services. Each setback we faced along the way became a stepping stone toward achieving our mission of creating a more just and equitable future for everyone, regardless of their background.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My journey with LA Metro has been a transformative one, starting as an Admin Intern and progressing to my current role as a Human Resources Assistant, Employee Engagement. This trajectory has allowed me to specialize in several key areas, including internal communications, event management, and employee engagement, each of which has honed my skills and defined my contributions to the organization.

As an Admin Intern, I managed a range of responsibilities that laid a strong foundation for my career. My role involved coordinating communications between various internal departments and external stakeholders, such as Project Management, Operations, and Environmental Compliance. I took charge of managing calendars, organizing meetings, and overseeing marketing deliverables. This experience not only refined my organizational and communication skills but also gave me a deep understanding of the operational dynamics within a large organization like LA Metro.

Transitioning to my current role as a Human Resources Assistant, Employee Engagement, I’ve focused on creating and implementing initiatives designed to encourage, empower, and energize our employees. A significant part of my role involves organizing high-impact events, such as CEO All-Hands meetings and employee engagement activities, that foster a positive workplace culture and strengthen our internal communications. I work closely with various departments, including Public Relations, ITS, and General Services, to ensure these events align with our organizational goals and effectively address employee needs.

One of my most proud achievements has been leading the design and creation of engaging materials for Metro’s “Bring Your Kids to Work Day.” This project involved developing a workbook with fun activities, maps, and a certificate of participation, which significantly enhanced the experience for our employees’ children and contributed to a positive workplace culture. Additionally, I played a key role in planning and executing the SLT and Metro Staff Customer Care Tour Day, an event designed to improve customer service skills and provide valuable insights into Metro’s operations.

What sets me apart is my ability to bridge the gap between internal departments and external partners through effective communication and collaboration. My experience managing diverse projects, from high-profile events to detailed administrative tasks, has equipped me with a unique skill set that blends strategic thinking with hands-on execution. I’m known for my proactive approach and dedication to creating impactful and innovative solutions that enhance both employee engagement and organizational effectiveness.

Furthermore, my background in branding and marketing, gained from my involvement with NewColorsProject, has provided me with a strong foundation in crafting compelling messages and managing stakeholder relationships. This expertise has been invaluable in my current role, where I leverage my skills to build strong internal and external connections, driving the success of our employee engagement initiatives.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
One of my favorite childhood memories is from my time with the Falcon Corps marching band at Palmdale High School. I vividly remember the exhilarating feeling of stepping onto the field for our first major competition as Drum Major. The energy of the crowd, the precision of our performance, and the sense of accomplishment as we executed our routine flawlessly were unforgettable.

I recall the months of hard work leading up to that moment—rehearsing tirelessly with my fellow band members, perfecting every move, and coordinating with the band under the guidance of our esteemed director, Mr. Joseph Pincetich. His leadership and mentorship played a crucial role in our success. The sense of unity and shared achievement with my peers was deeply rewarding.

That day, standing on the podium with my baton raised, I felt a profound sense of pride and connection with my team. The cheers from the audience and the look of pride on Mr. Pincetich’s face are moments I cherish. It was a perfect blend of hard work, teamwork, and personal growth, and it remains one of my most cherished childhood memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://newcolorsproject.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newcolorsproject/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewColorsProject/