Born in Wyandotte County, Mario's parents moved their growing family south to Shawnee for his mother to be closer to work in the Shawnee Mission School District. Mario’s mother, an educator, and father, a manufacturing technician, are both proud graduates of USD 500 Public Schools (Kansas City, Kansas). Mario grew up in a home with a teacher as a mom and a coach as a dad, having moments turned into training and experiences turned into lessons. From the example his parents set, Mario learned from an early age what service to others looked like. 

 

Mario is a product of the Shawnee Mission School District, attending Bluejacket-Flint Elementary School, Hocker Grove Middle School and Shawnee Mission North High School. Throughout his time in USD 512, Mario formed some of his closest friendships, shared incredible experiences, and began a journey into leadership that initiated his passion for service. While at North, Mario became involved in student government, serving as student body president for his junior and senior year. In 2014, Mario’s peers voted him as “Northman,” the big-man-on-campus award given to a senior male student.

 

After graduating from North, Mario attended Kansas State University where he obtained a degree in Human Development and Family Sciences. It was there he continued to develop his leadership skills and his love for public service. In 2015 Mario was elected as Fraternity President, serving as the representative for his organization across campus and throughout the national fraternity world. In 2016 the K-State student body elected Mario as the Student Ambassador, the University’s version of the homecoming king, where he traveled the state of Kansas representing the school to potential students, alumni and community supporters. 

 

In his early career, Mario worked in the non-profit sector in Kansas City at Big Brothers Big Sisters and the Boys & Girls Club. Most recently Mario worked for a Senator in the United States Senate on Capitol Hill, as well as the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, in Washington, DC. Currently, Mario is a Philanthropic Giving Manager at Children’s Mercy, raising money for the children within the hospital system. 

 

Mario’s heart for public service is seen through his career and hopes to serve the SMSD community on the Board of Education, representing the SMNorth feeder area.