Meet Ivan Diaz

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivan Diaz. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and graduated from Godfrey-Lee public schools in 2016. Since then, I have been studying at GRCC and GVSU. I began developing an interest in education and political science as time wore on so I decided to keep studying until i could be a political science professor one day and also work in or be elected to the government. That is why I am running for Kent County commissioner and why I hope to be an effective voice for my community 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I am a first-generation US Citizen and a first-generation college student so the road has not been smooth, but I am constantly conscious of the fact that many people have had greater challenges and this helps me be thankful for the help and support I have received along the way. Having to go to school part-time while having to work to sustain myself has made it so the process took a little longer than usual to finish my education without even mentioning the challenges that have arisen due to the Rona pandemic. I am grateful that I’ve never been one to feel like I need to rush through life 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I became politically activated in 2016 with the Bernie Sanders presidential campaign and have been focused on learning more about the issues he fought for ever since. I’ve been following national, state, and local politics for the past few years and have decided to focus my time on state and local politics as I feel like this is the place, I can have the most amount of direct impact. Over the next few years, I hope to help my community to organize its voice so that we can be effectively represented at all levels of government. 

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I would say that the easiest way to find a mentor is to simply reach out and ask. This may sound very simple but the fact is that I have found that the quickest most effective way to find what you’re looking for is to find contact information for people or organizations and reach out for a meeting or phone call. The hardest part is finding out what direction you want to go in. 

Contact Info:

• Email: ivandiazforoffice@@gmail.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ivan-Diaz-for-Kent-County-Commissioner/100078727971393/?ref=py_c
• Twitter: twitter.com/ivandiazbotello