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Examining the Issues: Immigration and the First 100 Days of the New Administration
JULIÁN CASTRO of Texas is an outstanding choice for a speaker as immigration becomes a central issue in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, particularly given Texas’s unique position at the heart of the immigration conversation. As the former Mayor of San Antonio, a city deeply intertwined with the border region, Castro brings a front-row perspective on the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants to Texas and the nation. The state’s economy, heavily reliant on industries like agriculture, construction, and technology, benefits significantly from immigrant labor, which fills critical workforce gaps and drives entrepreneurship. Castro understands the delicate balance between border security and fostering a system that values the economic vitality and human dignity immigrants bring.
Moreover, his leadership reflects an awareness of the challenges Texas communities face, from strained local resources to the impact of federal policies on families. Castro’s ability to connect these issues to broader national economic trends—such as workforce development, innovation, and consumer spending—positions him as a compelling voice. Castro's personal story as the son of a Mexican-American activist further deepens his credibility, allowing him to frame immigration as both a moral imperative and an economic opportunity, offering audiences a pragmatic and empathetic approach to one of America’s most pressing debates.
Finding the “Good” in Government
JULIÁN CASTRO’s career exemplifies the transformative potential of government when leadership prioritizes equity and tangible impact.
As Mayor of San Antonio, Castro championed innovative urban development, emphasizing education and economic opportunity through initiatives like Pre-K 4 SA, which expanded early childhood education. His tenure as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) under President Obama further underscored his commitment to public service, helping to lead efforts that reduced veteran homelessness by an impressive 47%. These achievements reflect his belief in the power of public institutions to foster dignity and opportunity. Castro’s leadership showcases how good government, rooted in integrity and focused on results, can be a catalyst for transformative change—turning bold visions into realities that improve lives and inspire trust in the public sector.
Home in Jeopardy: Julian Castro on the American Housing Crisis
Secretary JULIÁN CASTRO shares his thoughts around equitable housing policy, and how cities and communities can take action to eliminate systemic racism and advance racial equity. Castro often discusses his insights on neighborhood investments and resident connections to educational and economic opportunity in America's cities with leaders in the housing, construction, and financial sectors.
Expanding Access to Opportunity in America
Political Analyst JULIÁN CASTRO reflects on his tremendous leadership in the progressive community, and the challenges and opportunities ahead to deliver change in Washington and build power in the states. He empowers groups to engage and take action. Castro’s talks motivate individuals to take action in creating opportunities for themselves and inspire organizations to expand opportunities for their community.
Following Your Passion: Lessons for the Next Generation
Born to unmarried parents in a poverty-stricken neighborhood of a struggling city, politician and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO details his journey to becoming an emerging national icon. In empowering conversations, Castro inspires young adults and students to not only overcome the obstacles they face, but to use them as a source of knowledge and motivation to follow their dreams. Based on his personal experiences, Castro explains how anyone can pursue their passion to change not only their own lives, but their community, country, and world for the better.
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Julián Castro, a leading voice on immigration, shares a vital perspective
JULIÁN CASTRO of Texas is an outstanding choice for a speaker as immigration becomes a central issue in the first 100 days of the Trump Administration, particularly given Texas’s unique position at the heart of the immigration conversation. As the former Mayor of San Antonio, a city deeply intertwined with the border region, Castro brings a front-row perspective on the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants to Texas and the nation. The state’s economy, heavily reliant on industries like agriculture, construction, and technology, benefits significantly from immigrant labor, which fills critical workforce gaps and drives entrepreneurship. Castro understands the delicate balance between border security and fostering a system that values the economic vitality and human dignity immigrants bring.
Book Castro today for a reasoned, thoughtful perspective on humanity, immigration, and policy. The Texas Association of Municipal Information Officers (TAMIO) said, “Sec. Castro was FANTASTIC. The Secretary was on time, friendly, and incredibly authentic and forthcoming during the conversation. He didn’t shy away from any questions asked by me or any of our members.”
Watch Julián Castro deliver a lecture at Harvard Law School >>
Julián Castro gives back as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation
Politician, author, and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO deepens his community leadership as Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Community Foundation (LCF). Castro’s vision for the role, in his own words, is to build “a more inclusive and equitable America” for the 60M Latinos living on U.S. soil, “unlocking community potential.” Castro was selected as CEO of LCF for his outstanding public service as Obama’s Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Mayor of San Antonio, and a 2020 presidential candidate. Daniel L. Skaff, Board Chair of the LCF, honored Castro’s appointment with a glowing statement: “Throughout his career, Julián has worked tirelessly to boost the upward mobility of Latino families, helping to improve educational opportunity, the availability of affordable housing, and good paying jobs to Latino communities.”
Watch Julián Castro speak at Harvard University’s Kennedy School >>
Watch Julián Castro in conversation at the Texas Tribune Festival >>
Julián Castro launches big ideas with major results
Politician, author, and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO is a Democratic star of his generation for his ability to realize big ideas. From education to technology to safe and affordable housing, Castro has been at the forefront of some of the most innovative partnerships, programs, and achievements in the public sector. During his tenure as mayor, San Antonio ranked first on the Milken Institute’s “Best Performing Cities List” and received an A+ grade for doing business by Forbes. Now serving as CEO of of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation, Castro continues reach across the aisle on the Board of Directors of the Bipartisan Policy Center.
Castro’s experience launching major successful projects with multiple stakeholders utilizes his experiences as both mayor of San Antonio and Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to advise businesses on accomplishing their goals. Hosts appreciate the thoughtful approach to organizational problem-solving and the bespoke solutions he brings to the table. Joint Venture Silicon Valley said, "Mr. Castro was fantastic: warm, thoughtful, insightful, accessible… He went to great lengths to understand our organization and our regional mission. He praised us and related to us in ways that showed he had done his homework. We're enormously pleased."
Watch Julián Castro deliver a lecture at Harvard Law School >>
Watch Julián Castro’s address at The National Association of Colleges and Employers >>
Julián Castro is a political analyst with insider experience
Politician, author, and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO uses his expertise as an elected official in his work as a political analyst. Formerly major of San Antonio, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, and Presidential candidate, he joined NBC and MSNBC to break down today’s pressing political issues.
Secretary Castro also hosts his own podcast, Our America with Julián Castro, to bring forward unheard voices and advocate for change. A gifted analyst and moderator, Castro adeptly lays out the challenges facing the U.S. today with his esteemed guests, providing a road map towards a brighter future. Castro’s White House insider’s perspective will provide valuable insight into upcoming elections.
Watch Julián Castro speak at Villanova University >>
Watch Julián Castro speak at Harvard University’s Kennedy School >>
Julián Castro inspires many, receives a rave review at The National Association of Colleges and Employers' Annual Conference
Politician, author, and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO spoke to 2K attendees at The National Association of Colleges and Employers at their NACE Annual Conference and Expo. Castro touched on the future of the workforce, organizational branding, strategic recruiting and onboarding, and building a successful and productive workforce. The NACE thoroughly enjoyed Castro’s keynote, sharing: "Julián Castro’s keynote was amazing and our audience is so happy! As is our leadership! In my 19 years doing this, I have never had a keynote customize his presentation to the audience as much as Secretary Castro did. We are truly grateful to him that he took to heart the conversations during our prep call. He was outstanding!"
Julián Castro’s impact on urban development is felt around the U.S.
Politician, author, and analyst JULIÁN CASTRO is the former mayor of San Antonio, a role informing his work as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. As mayor, Castro brought a strong focus to expanding educational achievement and making America’s seventh largest city a leader in the 21st century global economy. Under Castro’s leadership, San Antonio implemented early childhood learning initiatives that been said to “change the trajectory of San Antonio in one generation.”
Informed by his own experiences, as recalled in his memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up from My American Dream, the depth of Castro’s compassion for his constituents is clear. Castro now serves as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation. Raised by his mother Rosie Castro, a civil rights and Chicana activist, and his grandmother, Victoria Castro, Julian grew up with a profound understanding of what it meant to love and serve community. Castro often speaks on how to meet the long-term goal of building a successful and productive workforce, satisfied and challenged with the work they do. The Association of Art Museum Directors said, “He knocked it out of the park! Truly wonderful and so gracious.”
Watch Julián Castro in conversation at UChicago >>
Watch Julián Castro in conversation at the Texas Tribune Festival >>
Julián Castro has distinguished himself as a strong leader and successful public servant for nearly two decades. A former Democratic candidate for President, Castro served as the 16th Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Barack Obama from 2014 to 2017, and as mayor of San Antonio from 2009 to 2014. At HUD, Castro managed 8,000 employees and a budget of more than $46 billion, and he led progress at the Department that earned it recognition as one of the most improved federal agencies. Castro also co-chaired the United States delegation to the United Nations Habitat III conference, spearheaded efforts to reduce homelessness, and created Connect Home, a public-private partnership to deliver broadband to public housing residents.
Previously, as mayor of America’s seventh largest city, Castro brought a strong focus to expanding educational achievement and making San Antonio a leader in the 21st century global economy. Under Castro’s leadership, San Antonio implemented Pre-K4SA, a high quality early childhood learning initiative that has earned praise as one of America’s strongest public pre-kindergarten programs. During his tenure, San Antonio ranked first on the Milken Institute’s Best Performing Cities List, received an A+ grade for doing business by Forbes, and was the only Top 10 city at the time to achieve a Triple A bond rating with each of the three major ratings agencies.
A native Texan, Castro began his public service career in 2001, becoming, at the age of 26, San Antonio’s youngest city councilman in history at the time. Castro made history again in 2012, when he delivered the keynote address at the Democratic National Convention, the first Latino to do so.
Following his service in the Obama administration, Castro served as the Dean’s Distinguished Fellow and Fellow of the Davila Chair in International Trade Policy at the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. Castro’s memoir, An Unlikely Journey: Waking Up From My American Dream was published by Little Brown in 2018.
Today, Castro serves on the board of directors of the LBJ Foundation and is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC. Castro serves as CEO of the Latino Community Foundation, the nation’s largest Latino-serving foundation.
Castro received a B.A. from Stanford University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He and his wife, Erica, have a daughter, Carina, and a son, Cristián. Castro’s twin brother, Joaquin, represents the 20th Congressional District of Texas.
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