Dr. Javier Cavazos Vela

Dr. Javier Cavazos Vela is an assistant professor at the University of Texas-Brownsville. Growing up in a middle-income household, Javier always knew he was blessed with educational and financial opportunities. From an early age, he made cogent efforts to give back to others who were not as fortunate. Javier first became interested in service work in high school when he volunteered at local homeless shelters, Boys and Girls clubs, and relay for life activities. He continued to actively provide community service in college through raising money for Hurricane Katrina victims, playing Bingo with older individuals in nursing homes, and participating in Halloween events for children. Although these activities were meaningful, his favorite service activity involved volunteering at after-school program in an elementary school. For an entire academic semester, Javier participated in school activities in which he taught children how to play golf. Helping children smile and become happy through sports was an incredible moment in his career.

In terms of leadership, he helped start a student-organization at The University of Texas-Pan American called g-force. The purpose of this organization was to provide mentoring services to high school students. As a result of participation in this organization, college students would mentor high school students with information concerning post-secondary education. College students helped students with information about scholarships, admissions requirements, career choices, and financial aid. Given his commitment to helping low-income and first-generation students pursue post-secondary education, he felt this was the perfect opportunity to help more students pursue and succeed in postsecondary education. Dr. Cavazos Vela is happy and eager to be on the Board of Directors of SALTworld in order to expand service opportunities to international populations.