Luis Gonzalez is a first-generation college graduate from Santa Clara University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and a minor in Economics.

He was born in Mexico City, Mexico and immigrated to San Mateo, California at the age of 4. At an early age, Luis’ parents made it clear that his main duty in this country was to succeed in school, while theirs was to work and provide a better future for him and his younger sister. Since then, Luis endeavored to be at the top of his class academically and athletically, developing a work ethic that helped him successfully achieve this goal.

Luis strives to empower his community through financial education and by supporting aspiring entrepreneurs as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles. Currently, Luis advises his immigrant and low-income small business owner clients on stabilizing revenues while securing legal protection, tax compliance, and business licenses.  He has worked with the finance teams at various non-profit organizations such as Project90 and the Jesuit Community at Santa Clara University. Luis also volunteered with the IRS VITA program for free tax preparation with the Samaritan House.

As a DreamSF Fellow, Luis will work with the Support Service team at Catholic Charities, whose priority is to assist unaccompanied minors in the Bay Area. He will attend resource forums and trainings, and he will compile information for clients on a case by case basis, addressing housing assistance, schooling, career development, access to food and health services, among other necessities. Ongoing projects will include the collection and data analysis of  assistance programs, in order to support grant compliance and eligibility for funding.

In his free time, Luis likes to run, play soccer and go out dancing. He also loves hands-on mechanic work, especially with older Volkswagen Beetles, and walking his dog Lucky.