Manuel
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality” – Desmond Tutu
Manuel Padilla
He/Him/El
Board Member
Manuel was born and raised in Sonora, Mexico and joined the Tucson community in 2016.
Almost at the moment of arrival, he found the opportunity to be a volunteer tutor at Literacy Connects. He discovered a need for GED instruction in Spanish, so he approach the organization to develop the GED program in Spanish. He has been involved in the Adult Education field ever since and is passionate about helping his students. This involves not only their academic activities but their ability to understand American culture and learn how to “navigate the system”.
He loves his Latino roots and is an advocate for the rights of immigrants and undocumented people. Manuel believes that if anything can be done to lighten the barriers that oppress his community, it must be done.
He is also a Spiritual Director graduate from the Tacheria (Interfaith Spirituality and Spiritual Direction Training), where he currently serves as part of the board of directors.