Jorge is a Fellow in the Aspen Institute’s Civil Society Fellowship, Class 3, and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. We caught up with him at the 2025 Resnick Aspen Action Forum, to learn more about his leadership journey – how it’s evolved, what’s driving him now, and advice for others committed to creating positive change.

Answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.

Can you tell us a little more about your leadership and impact journey? 

My leadership journey has been a Camino of sorts for me – an exercise in physical trials, faith, and self worth. A few years ago I thought I knew the path and where it was going to end up. But in truth, I had no idea. What I’ve learned since is to embrace the process and to enjoy the journey itself.

There have been many moments of transition and I certainly feel with all the things happening in the world that I’m exactly where I need to be. I don’t need to have all of the answers right now, but I’m taking it step by step to understand where I need to go. As much as I always thought I was on this Camino by myself, I never truly was. The only way forward is through the friendships, laughter, and challenges that others bring along the journey. I am a proud leader that still knows I have much more to learn and practice and I’m excited for what comes next.

Where are you currently focusing your leadership?

Right now, I’m focusing my energy on my Civil Society Fellowship venture*, which centers on embracing my Latino heritage and celebrating what it means to be a proud Latino in the United States. I see so many untapped voices and potential across the Latino community, and I want to help elevate those voices.

And so I am trying to bring more of this Fellowship into South America, building upon the incredible work of other Aspen Global Leadership Network Fellows like Central America Leadership Initiative, Colombia, and Aspen Mexico while also learning from initiatives in Asia and Africa, as well my own Fellowship, the Civil Society Fellowship in the United States. 

How do we empower more people in Latin America while also learning from the leaders there? I’m excited to explore and expand what Fellowship can accomplish across the region.

What values do you hold close during times of uncertainty? 

One value I hold close during times of uncertainty is hope – hope not just that things will change, but hope in people. I have a relentless belief in people. We are both incredibly flawed but incredibly full of potential. 

I know that there are others wrestling with these problems and coming at them from completely different angles than I am. But I trust people. I trust that they are going to do the right things. Over the story of time, the arc bends towards good and it is that hope and that belief in people that keeps me going, even in moments of crisis.

If you could write a letter to your younger self, what would it say? 

Oh, man. Little Jorge. First, I’d give that guy a hug. I’d tell him that the world is so much bigger than he can even imagine and to spend more time with the people that he loves. Explore new things, but also stay grounded in who you are and who’s around you. There’s so much more I want to tell that guy. 

I’d tell him he’s doing great. I think there’s a lot of self doubt when you’re younger. Sometimes ignorance is bliss and you don’t even know it. I’d tell him to keep his head up and keep going forward. There are so many incredible people and experiences awaiting him in his journey and that the world needs him. Continue to contribute, continue to do and be you because this universe created you for a purpose. Never forget that. I’d also tell him he’s sometimes a little bit funny because he forgets that.

If you could write a letter to your younger self about your leadership journey, knowing where you are now, what would it be?

I’m proud of the person that you will be, no matter what paths you take. Listen to your instinct, trust and build community and have confidence in who you actually are. Your inner compass, specifically moral courage, will guide you to the path that you need to follow. Look around you and learn from everyone. Everyone has a lesson to offer you, and you will, in time, become the person that you’re meant to be.

About the Aspen Global Leadership Network

The Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN) is a dynamic, worldwide community of nearly 4,000 entrepreneurial leaders from over 60 countries. Spanning business, government, and the nonprofit sector, these leaders share a commitment to enlightened leadership and the drive to tackle the most pressing challenges of our times. Through transformative Fellowship programs and  gatherings like the Resnick Aspen Action Forum, AGLN Fellows have the unique opportunity to connect, collaborate, and challenge each other to grow and commit to a lifelong journey of impact.

More from 2025 Resnick Aspen Action Forum

In July 2025, over 500 leaders across the Aspen Global Leadership Network (AGLN) community gathered for our largest Action Forum to date. Joined by nearly 100 young leaders, AGLN Fellows from more than 30 countries returned to the enduring questions first posed at the founding of the Aspen Institute 75 years ago: What does it mean to lead with purpose in times of profound uncertainty?

Explore more inspiring content on leadership and change-making from the 2025 Action Forum here.

About the Civil Society Fellowship

The Civil Society Fellowship is a leadership development program preparing the next generation of community and civic leaders, activists and problem solvers from across the political spectrum. The Fellowship provides participants the opportunity to engage in experiential learning and text-based dialogue, build trust among a diverse cohort of leaders based on shared insights and mutual respect, and put ideas into action through a required leadership venture. The Fellowship is part of the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute.