Perhaps it's fitting that Raul Villarreal chose a career in the auto industry.
His own life story is not unlike the full-size SUVs he helps manufacture every day at General Motors Arlington Assembly Plant. They look impressive now, but began with little more than a few pieces.
"I grew up in the government projects in Corpus Christi," said Villarreal, who is now the paint area manager for the Arlington Assembly Plant.
After a stint in the military, he followed in his father's footsteps and began working for GM. He started on the assembly line and has spent the past 39 years working his way up to area paint manager, one of the top positions at the plant.
"I'm living the American Dream," said Villarreal.
He credits his success to his grandfather, who came to the United States at age 14 and taught him the importance of seizing opportunities.
"He taught me the sky is the limit," said Villarreal. "I'm the 'X-factor.' So what's the worst thing that could happen? Somebody is going to tell you no. You're going to find another door."
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Now, he feels it's his responsibility to open doors for others. He's helped the Arlington Assembly Plant launch all kinds of outreach initiatives to get Hispanic students and people of other races interested in science, technology, engineering, and math – especially those who come from backgrounds similar to his.
"We invest in the things that really matter – the big scheme of things," said Villarreal. "And hopefully we end up with that rich talent of students that actually come and look for us as a career."
Tuesday, the automaker announced $1 million in grants to help fund STEM programs that work specifically for the betterment of Hispanic students. Some of that money is expected to come to North Texas.
