The American Public Health Association (APHA) opened my eyes to the world of public health, and more specifically, to the world of Hispanic/Latino Health. In 1994, I joined APHA. In the mid 90's, I became enthusiastic when I saw, first-hand, all the work that Latinos where doing as part of the Latino Caucus. I found my place, and was so elated to meet the Latino Caucus leaders who were working diligently to place Latino/Hispanic health on the map at APHA.

I am very appreciative of the colleagues and Latino leaders at APHA who encouraged me to become active in the Latino Caucus. Esteemed colleagues like Dr. Ruth Zambrana, Louise Villejo and many others, were instrumental in me becoming active in the Latino Caucus. In 1997, I was the Chairperson of the Scientific Program of our Latino Caucus. I enjoyed every minute of it. I involved many of my students to help me, and it was a very humbling experience meeting so many wonderful Latino colleagues and learning about their important work on behalf of the Latino community.

In November 2005, I was appointed by the Executive Board of APHA to be part of the Editorial Board of the American Journal of Public Health. Dr. Ruth Zambrana and the Latino Caucus leadership were instrumental in my candidacy. In 2008, I became the Deputy Chair of the Editorial Board, and in 2009, I was elected as Chair.

What do I take from this wonderful journey at APHA? We are not alone in the journey to achieve our dreams and our goals. There always will be kind, committed, and visionary Latinos who will help other Latinos on their professional journeys as leaders in public health. We need each other, and we should maintain that legacy of support and commitment that our Latino predecessors have given to make it possible for many of us to be where we are within the APHA organization.

As I said in my report as Chair of the Editorial Board to the Executive Board this year, it has been a great pleasure to have had this opportunity as Chair. Giving to public health is giving to the world a lens of hope for justice. As Latino leaders, we must provide encouragement to the new generation of Latino movers and shakers.

Hector Balcazar