Starting as a Boy Scout, Juan Latorre III continues to help his community

From Masslive.com: Click here to view the article

Springfield, MA (09/24/2023): In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, MassLive asked readers to identify people who are emerging Hispanic leaders throughout the state, working to make a difference in their own area of interest, be it politics, education, business or the arts.

These are people our readers have identified as inspirational, who may be doing good acts for their communities. They are being recognized for their accomplishments, leadership and commitment to inspire change.

Starting as a Boy Scout in Forest Park, Juan F. Latorre III has continued to serve in his community over the years.

During the day, Latorre has spent the past 15 years working as an engineer. Thirteen of those years, he’s worked for Verizon as a Radio Frequency Engineer, designing wireless communications facilities across New England.

“My work affords me the opportunity to directly address the digital divide that exists in society — I often work to enhance connectivity at schools and universities across Massachusetts,” he said.

But Latorre also finds time to help with numerous nonprofits, such as Friends of the Homeless, Square One, Springfield Rescue Mission, The Salvation Army, Boy Scouts of America, Link to Libraries and Springfield Restaurant Week.

“This work affords me the opportunity to set an example to our youngest generation on the importance and value of public service,” he said.

His first volunteer position was at the Forest Park Library. And he later worked as a tutor at Sumner Avenue School, while attending Springfield Central High School.

Latorre attended the University of Massachusetts and Western New England University and earned degrees in electrical and computer engineering. Afterwards, he was approached by then City Council President Michael Fenton to serve on a Young Professionals focused subcommittee of the Springfield City Council.

“This introduction to our municipal government inspired me to further my involvement in Springfield’s success,” he said.

He later became a two-time candidate for a seat on the Springfield City Council.

“I work to educate our community about the importance of our municipal government, while development strategies and initiatives to keep Springfield affordable, safe, vibrant, and growing,” he said. “My core goals include improving Springfield’s housing stock, developing community-based public safety initiatives and restoring trust, developing new amenities to attract and retain families, and accelerating Springfield’s economic development to grow new businesses, strengthen existing businesses, and further generation wealth for Springfield families.”

But Latorre notes he wouldn’t be here without the “hard work, sacrifice, and determination” of his parents, Juan and Myrna (Colon) Latorre, who came from Puerto Rico to New York City in the 1950′s to “create a better life for themselves.”

“I am blessed to live in a city with such a vibrant Hispanic culture. Springfield is a beautiful city because the resilience of our people,” he said.

In his words: “The first step is to identify your purpose — what is the change you seek in the world, and then create that change through limitless action. In this way, you will find satisfaction in everything you do ... In life, you do not know when someone will ask you to raise your hand and serve ... The young people in our community have to be willing to take on new challenges — the future of our city depends on their leadership.”