Robert J. Renteria, Jr. is a successful businessman turned author of "From the Barrio to the Board Room, Mi Barrio and Little Barrio" who is using his books and curricula with youth across America and many communities around the world, to replace violence, delinquency, gangs and drugs with education, pride, accomplishment, and self esteem.Robert has dedicated his life to sharing his story with millions of others so that they, too, can help break the vicious cycle of poverty through hard work, determination and education. His book series and the accompanying school based and faith based curriculum's, are forming our "leaders of tomorrow" by helping them to find their identity, establish core values, set goals for themselves, prioritize education, and strive to reach their full potential.Renteria has been the keynote speaker at the Hispanic Heritage Reception for Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White, where he was recognized for his achievements as a civic leader and Latino author. He has also presented at the Illinois Association of School Social Workers, McDonald's Hamburger University, the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association annual conference, the Hispanic National Bar Association in Chicago, the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, the 40th and 41st Annual Rainbow Push Coalition Conferences, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology. He has been profiled in major media, including USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, Investor's Business Daily, The Chicago Sun Times, NBC 5, WGN, Univision, and Chicago Public Radio. Robert has worked with political figures (at the local, state and national level) as a "Latino" voice. He has been supported by business owners, corporations, University Professors, and middle and high school teachers and principals who share his universal message that everyone has the right to live the American Dream!Robert's Awards:2013 - PUSH Excel Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for his work as a Civil Rights Leader2013 - Illinois Commission on Diversity and Human Relations (ICDHR) Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award for Educational Reform2012 - Latino Literacy Now 2012 International Book Award recipient of the BEST comic/graphic novel across Latin America, Spain and the USA addressing youth issues2012 - Award Recipient from Congressman Danny Davis for his work Supporting Education and Anti-Violence.2011 - Sole Recipient of Central Asia Institute's Outstanding International Humanitarian Award