A Leader's Journey: Empowering Latinos Through Business
A Pivotal Moment
Gale Castillo's journey began with a simple yet profound moment. Her son, a high school junior, was once asked by a friend, "What gang are you in?" This question came after a class discussion about his Mexican heritage. The friend, who had known him since kindergarten, should have known better. This incident, among others, fueled Castillo's determination to change the narrative around Latinos and empower the community's youth. In the early 1990s, she cofounded the Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber to achieve this goal.
The Hispanic Metropolitan Chamber
The chamber has grown to become the largest Hispanic chamber in the Northwest. Under Castillo's leadership, it has:
- Provided over $3.3 million in scholarships to 1,200 students
- Supported more than 5,800 businesses
Castillo has worn many hats within the organization, serving as:
- President
- Executive Director
- Board Chair
Her influence extends beyond the chamber; she has also served as a trustee at Portland State University.
Transition and Legacy
Castillo is stepping down as board chair but will remain involved in an advisory role. She believes the organization is in good hands with the next generation of leaders. Nicole Davison León, the chamber's executive director, praised Castillo's legacy and her impact on Latino entrepreneurs in Oregon and southwest Washington. León also expressed gratitude for Castillo's continued support and guidance.
A Diverse Career
Before her work with the chamber, Castillo had a diverse career:
- Assistant to late Gov. Neil Goldschmidt
- Oregon Economic Development Department
- Management, marketing, and national sales positions at AT&T, Pacific Northwest Bell, and RESTOR Communications
- Co-owned Canopy, a company providing employee assistance programs and staff development globally
Education and Resilience
Castillo was the first in her family to graduate from college. She earned:
- A bachelor's degree from Linfield College
- A master's in education from Portland State University
- Completed the Harvard Kennedy School’s Executive Education Program
Despite her achievements, she acknowledges that Latinos still face discrimination. However, she remains resilient and optimistic about the future.
