RAFAEL LOPEZ; 2023 Top Lideres Awards: SW Florida

​​What is your Hispanic Heritage?  Cuban

What area of Florida do you live in? Village of Estero

What is your profession?  

Village Councilman

Tell us about what you do for a living and how you got into it?

I am currently an elected Councilman, in the Village of Estero.  After my retirement, I wanted to continue serving my local community.  I volunteered for several organizations and eventually ran for the Village of Estero Council.

Latin Times Magazine:  In your industry, what would you say separates you from your competition?

My experiences, as a Cuban exile, a United States Marine Corps Veteran, and a retired Law Enforcement Lieutenant, prepared me to eventually run for public office and be elected as a Village Councilman.

Latin Times Magazine: Why do you feel you were nominated?

I have a lifetime of public and community service, including service to my country.  I have also been involved with several organizations, which raised awareness of Hispanics, politically.

Latin Times Magazine: During Covid-19, tell us about your Biggest Challenge/obstacle and how you overcame it/or are overcoming it?

My family and I were fortunate not to experience any serious challenges/obstacles and we were blessed to be able to spend a tremendous amount of time with our grandchildren.

Latin Times Magazine: Tell us about your biggest achievement, and how you achieved it.

There is not just one achievement, but a culmination of life events, which has brought me to this point in my life.  That includes escaping a communist country, serving my country, becoming a U.S. Citizen, but most importantly was to be able to marry and raise a family, in a free country.

Latin Times Magazine: What is next for you? What can people expect to see from you?

As a recently elected public official, I am concentrating on serving the Village of Estero’s residents to the best of my abilities.

Latin Times Magazine: What does being a U.S. Citizen mean to you?

It means Freedom and the ability to live the American Dream.

Latin Times Magazine: What is your opinion of the state of affairs in our nation? And what role do you see Hispanics/Latinos playing in the future of our nation.

Although our country appears to be divided, I believe that, “What unites us is far greater than what divides us.” – John F. Kennedy. 

Hispanics have always played a role in the course of our nation’s history.  Currently, we lead in many aspects of our society and now, more than ever, we need to stand together and work for the betterment of the United States and its people.

Latin Times Magazine: What is the best lesson that you have learned in leadership and how has it helped your career?

As a leader, I have always been honest, fair, kind, and responsible.  Those traits have always helped to achieve my goals.

Latin Times Magazine: Is there anything I didn’t ask that you would like to share?

Not at this time, but thank you for this opportunity.

Latin Times Magazine: What is YOUR comida Latina favorita?

To be honest, this is the hardest question, so far…LOL.  My dream Comida Criolla is:

Bistec Empanizado, Arroz Y Frijoles Nego, Tostones, o Yuca Hervida, y Café Cubano.

RAFAEL LOPEZ BIORafael was born in Havana, Cuba and came to the United States in 1962, at age five.  Rafael grew up in Miami, Florida and has been married to his wife Susan, for 39 years. Susan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). They have a daughter, son-in-law, and two amazing granddaughters. Their daughter is an educator and their son-in-law is a police officer. He is a devoted Husband, Father, and Grandfather.

Rafael is a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Florida International University. He is a graduate of the Southern Police Institute’s 22nd Command Officer’s Development Program and Nova Southeastern University’s Institute for Criminal Justice Studies 14th Executive Leadership Program.

Rafael served for 33 years as a law enforcement officer in Dade and Broward County.  He retired in 2016 with the rank of Lieutenant.  

He also worked for MasterCard International as an International Security Officer.  His region included the Southeast United States, South and Central America, and the Caribbean.

In 2023, Rafael was elected to the Village of Estero Council and currently serves as a Councilman, in District 5.

Rafael has been involved with many professional and community organizations throughout his career:

• International Association of Credit Card Investigators, Florida Chapter President.

• ASPIRA of Florida Board of Directors.

• Appointed to the Broward County Diversity Advisory Council.

• Healthy Mothers/Healthy Babies Coalition of Broward County, Board of Directors.

• Appointed to the Broward County School District ESOL Leadership Council.

• Cuban Americans for a Better Florida, Co-Founder and Chair.

• The Hispanic Vote of Broward County, Co-Founder and Chair.

• Lee County School District Minority Recruitment and Retention Committee.

• Lee County School District Calendar Committee.

• The Hispanic Vote of Southwest Florida, Co-Founder and Chair.

• Stoneybrook of Estero Homeowner’s Association Board of Directors.

• Ambassador with Collier-Lee Honor Flight.

• Appointed to the U.S Military Service Academy Selection Advisory Panel,

for the 19th Congressional District.

• Lee County School District, Superintendent’s Executive Roundtable.