When Ricardo Villalobos talks about why he stepped into the role of executive director at Evanston Latinos, he doesn’t start with his résumé or his years of experience. He starts with family.
“As much as I want to say this is about me, I think I am still advocating for my family and our story,” he said.
Ricardo grew up on the north side of Chicago in the 1980s and 1990s. His family moved more than ten times as neighborhoods changed and rents went up, and eventually, they lost their home. Those experiences left a lasting mark.
“When one household has to shift its life, it impacts every other household. That ripple effect stays with me,” he said.
That personal history, combined with nearly 30 years of community organizing across Illinois, shapes how Ricardo approaches leadership. For him, understanding displacement, belonging, and family needs is just as important as professional expertise.
The Story of Evanston Latinos
Evanston Latinos was born out of urgency during the COVID-19 pandemic. Latino and Black families were hit especially hard, working frontline jobs, managing childcare, and navigating food insecurity and health challenges. Founder Rebeca Mendoza and others created a place where families could turn for help, guidance, and connection.
Over time, what started as emergency support grew into a trusted hub for advocacy and community pride. For Ricardo, joining the organization means honoring that history while helping it grow.
“The reason we started is big. Now it is about being present in every possible space and conversation, not just Latino spaces,” he said.
A Vision for Unity
Collaboration is at the heart of Ricardo’s vision. He wants Evanston Latinos to be a bridge; not just within the Latino community, but across the city. That means working with schools, faith communities, small businesses, and Evanston’s Black community.
“The math says we have to work together. We have to put our differences aside and say I have got this, you have got that. How do we fight together? That does not take a lot of money. It just takes community,” he said.
Unity, for Ricardo, isn’t about ignoring challenges. It’s about facing them together. Affordable housing, health disparities, and immigration issues are all priorities.
“It is not just about being a loud voice. It is about being a thought partner in how we fix things,” he explained.
Celebrating Culture
Ricardo also wants the organization to celebrate culture alongside advocacy. He comes from a creative family—his father is a tailor, his brother a designer, and music has always been part of their lives. He sees that creativity echoed in Evanston’s Latino community.
“We are not only a community in fear. We are a community that brings so much richness,” he said.
For him, food, art, music, and storytelling are more than cultural traditions. They are sources of pride and strength. “We want people to celebrate our artistry, our food, our traditions, while also standing with us in addressing the challenges we face,” he said.
Looking Ahead
As he steps into this new role, Ricardo is focused on listening, learning, and building on the work of those who came before him. He often mentions Rebeca Mendoza and the early board members who laid the foundation for Evanston Latinos.
“Celebrating the work that is done until now is at the top of the list. Now is the time to share, to align, and to work together. We are stronger when we stand as one community,” he said.
Ricardo is hopeful about the future. He knows families choose Evanston for its schools, safety, and community spirit. His goal is simple: make sure every family feels at home.
“When people choose to live here, they want to invest in the future. My job is to help make sure every family feels they belong,” he said.