Now, 20 years after earning his degree from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), Oscar has returned to his alma mater with a new mission: joining the advisory board of the Department of Real Estate. He’s particularly excited about the launch of CSUF's new real estate program, an opportunity that allows him to contribute to the education of future real estate professionals. "It's now or never," he says, reflecting on his decision to balance this new role with his many responsibilities. Oscar is passionate about promoting property management as a viable and fulfilling career, an industry that has given him so much.
Having been exposed to the harsh realities of affordable housing when he started working with a non-profit in 2004, Oscar's perspective on housing evolved. His work with the Mental Health Association of Los Angeles opened his eyes to a world he didn’t know existed, where housing is not just about shelter, but survival. "You don't realize there are a lot of people who need this kind of help, who look like us," Oscar says. As an immigrant who grew up in tough neighborhoods and saw the effects of drugs and gangs firsthand, Oscar understands the profound need for affordable housing.
He’s worked with city officials and law enforcement in Orange County to address housing challenges, and he's seen how programs can help individuals become self-sufficient, go to school, and eventually break the cycle of poverty. With home prices in Orange County soaring, affordable housing has become more critical than ever, especially as the homelessness epidemic has worsened post-pandemic. Oscar takes pride in being a part of the solution, managing both conventional apartments and affordable housing properties.
Beyond his day-to-day work, Oscar’s leadership extends to his involvement with IREM® (Institute of Real Estate Management). He's a proud CPM® (Certified Property Manager) and serves as the chairperson of the IREM Orange County chapter’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committee. In this role, Oscar aims to ensure the industry reflects the diverse communities it serves. One of his long-term goals is to translate IREM content into Spanish, making the organization’s resources more accessible to the Latino community. He’s also applied to become an IREM international instructor, seeing his bilingualism as an asset to share knowledge across borders.
For Oscar, the journey is far from over. He sees opportunities to contribute not only locally but globally, sharing his story and expertise with communities in Mexico and Latin America. “We can learn from each other,” he says, emphasizing the importance of cross-cultural knowledge exchange. And as he looks to the future, Oscar remains dedicated to promoting education, affordable housing, and a more inclusive real estate industry.