December 13, 2007

TriMet hires Latino leader for key outreach job

Martin Gonzalez to reach out to riders with limited English skills

TriMet has hired Martin Gonzalez as its new Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Outreach Coordinator. In this role, Gonzalez will help TriMet develop a program that the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) proposes to use as a national model for other transit agencies in their development of LEP programs.

"Martin's extensive depth of experience and strong skills will assist us as we move forward to ensure all members of our communities understand TriMet services," said TriMet General Manager Fred Hansen. "We remain committed to making TriMet accessible to all and that it serves all communities equally and adequately."

Gonzalez has already begun working on enhancing customer service information so that Spanish-speaking riders can easily access the services provided.

He comes to TriMet with 30 years of experience in community and public service work. As Executive Director of the Portland Schools Alliance, Gonzalez worked to implement two dual-language immersion programs to close student achievement gaps. He also worked as the Community Economic Development Program Director with the American Friends Service Committee. In this role, Gonzalez coordinated statewide activities in economic development, providing culturally specific training and leadership development for Latino community organizations.

Gonzalez is past board president and a founder of the Latino Network and a former board president of Centro Cultural. Gonzalez holds a Bachelors Degree in Education from Texas A & M University.

TriMet’s LEP program

In 2006, TriMet became the first, and only, transit district in the nation to receive a $500,000 grant from the FTA's' Civil Rights Division to create and implement a LEP program. Latinos represent one of the fastest growing populations in our region. In addition, the number of people with limited English proficiency continues to increase. TriMet is committed to reaching out to populations whose primary language is not English.