Oscar Mireles describes himself in many ways — poet, mentor, convener. But more than anything, Oscar says he is a listener. He encourages everyone to listen and hear people’s stories; because without listening, real change doesn’t happen.

“Too often people don’t listen when they try to solve the problem and most people have the answers, if you listen,” Oscar told LGMAA Council President Jack Williams (LGM24) and Rogelio Carranza (LGM28) during a recent taping of the LGMAA Lead from Where You Are podcast. Oscar says listening helps support collaboration. “Timing, longevity and relationship make collaboration effective.” He added that listening during his time as a participant in LGM02 helped him create important and lasting relationships that he still benefits from and relies on more than 25 years later. He works to create new relationships as a mentor and local advocate.

Oscar is active with the Latinos Consortium for Action — a group of engaged organizations and individuals committed to collaboration and making a difference. During the pandemic they listened to people in the Latino community who were in dire need of assistance but often didn’t qualify for the aid available to most families. The Consortium raised $1.5 million to assist Madison-area Latino families. 

For Oscar, leadership is all about listening. Tune in to Episode #4 of the LEAD FROM WHERE YOU ARE to hear the full interview.

Learn more about Oscar here: http://oscarmireles.com/