Beaverton Hispanic Center in English

Meet the President

(BHC)

The new board president, Tom Groendal, joined the Beaverton Hispanic Center Board of Directors in the beginning of 2013.

He brings experience with a variety of civic activities and a deep appreciation of the Hispanic culture and the contributions made by Hispanic members of our community.

Tom’s international experience includes working in a position as an intercultural communication advisor for the city in Saiki City, Japan, for many years and experience on the planning committees and boards of multiple local organizations during a 10 year stay in Japan. He currently works with Translation Business Systems Japan as a project manager, and teaches classical Japanese martial arts through the Hoshu Dojo here in Beaverton. He is also a member of the City Club of Portland and has worked in the past with immigration issues in Japan.

His appreciation of his Hispanic neighbors and fellow members of the community reaches back to his college years, when the immigrant community in Holland, Michigan, where he went to school were an invaluable support network for him. He is now looking forward to the opportunity to pay this gift of support forward to other new arrivals and together build a stronger, better Beaverton.

About The Beaverton Hispanic Center:

Beaverton Hispanic Center was established on November 23rd, 2010 by Juanita Villarreal. She had a vision to help and serve the Hispanic community within the City of Beaverton. She looked into the needs of the Hispanic Community. Juanita knew there was some needs that she could provide. At the end of 2010 the BHRC served 81 people and now the Beaverton Hispanic Center expanded so fast that they have helped over 11,000 people and growing in numbers every day.

In June 2011, the Beaverton Hispanic Center became a 501 c 3 Social Service Agency #27-5471123 which allows them to apply for grants to fund projects. The BHC is in the process of setting some very exciting goals for 2012-2013. They have built many relationships with the Beaverton residents and also with organizations within the city and look forward to building more in the near future.

Moving Forward! ¡Adelante!

Juanita Villarreal, Founder and Executive Director

Beaverton Hispanic Center (BHC)

Juanita is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the BHC. She takes calls, emails, and visits from Hispanic community members who are looking for assistance within the city and abroad. She partners with organizations in Washington and Multnomah Counties to meet the needs of community members. Juanita is also partnering with the City of Beaverton to add more diversity within the city. Juanita has done much needed research on the needs of the Hispanic Community. She has had many years of experience working with the public and the Hispanic communities within Washington County area.

Juanita grew up in a Hispanic family. She has traveled to various cities in México. Her native language is Spanish and she learned English while attending North Plains grade school. Juanita is passionate and driven when it comes to loving and helping others. She has a special way of touching the lives of so many. Juanita is truly a gift to the Community.

Her current goals for Beaverton Hispanic Center include: collaborating with community agencies and creating a bridge to the Hispanic community. Advocating and serving more Hispanic’s within Washington County. Building relationships with the city and the Hispanic Community.