Henry Chavez: Helping others gives heartfelt satisfaction

Editor's note - This is the second in a 10-part series of profiles of area residents picked as the 10 Most Influential Hispanics in Yuma County, an annual recognition by Bajo El Sol, The Sun's Spanish-language sister newspaper.

Lending a helping hand is not about getting noticed. Henry Chavez says that's his philosophy.

"We should do whatever we can to help the community; and make the time to support others. You don't need the acknowledgment; the only satisfaction you need is in your heart and with God. You don't need anything else," said Chavez.

Chavez is the founder and president of San Luis Cooling, an export company that dedicates resources to promoting the community, as well as supporting agencies that help people in need.

"I do it so our community will grow. If there are problems in the community then businesses in the community have problems, too," Chavez said.

Chavez was named by a panel of judges as one of Yuma County's 10 Most Influential Hispanics, an annual honors program that recognizes Hispanic residents who make positive contributions to the Yuma area.

Chavez, born 72 years ago in Albuquerque, N.M., came to Yuma in 1988 because he liked the area, he said. He would frequently come to work first as a technician and later as vice president of a company that marketed lettuce and other produce grown in the Yuma area and in San Luis Rio Colorado, Son.

Along with successful business ventures, Chavez was also involved with the chamber of commerce in San Luis, Ariz., and as president of the port of entry users organization, from which he has quietly helped other businesses become successful and contribute to the community.

Chavez has strong Hispanic ancestry. He is a descendent of the founders of the city of Albuquerque. His relatives in Albuquerque live on a street named after the family.

Chavez points out that the strength of the Hispanic community is its drive. "I can see them advancing quickly. When I was young, there were no Hispanic business owners or foremen. It is very different now. Hispanics are shareholders in banks, they own businesses or are in a profession. It used to be that few (Hispanics) held good positions."

However, he doesn't hesitate to identify the weaknesses in the Hispanic community. "First-generation Hispanics are very timid and many don't want to speak English, and this is very important in order to live in this country. Education has to be improved because it opens many doors and helps us not to be afraid and face what is before us. Fortunately, the younger generation is more intrepid and, little by little, they are on the rise."

Behind Chavez's straightforward demeanor is a man who took his education to uncommon levels. He finished his degree in biology and pursued his graduate degree and later a doctorate in plant pathology through the University of Arizona. "When I finished, I decided I didn't want to be a scientist in a laboratory; I wanted to see the world," Chavez recalled.

He derives his biggest satisfaction not from his company, but from his family. An attorney, a builder, a teacher and a textile merchant are among the professions practiced by his seven children.

Chavez says he is proud when his employees move ahead. Maybe this is the reason he names the late farm labor leader Cesar Chavez when he is asked who he admires.

"He dedicated his life to one cause; we should all be like him. Cesar Chavez united workers to fight for better working conditions, and many other improvements that we see in farm work today would not have been possible without his efforts."