Stories of Leadership: Guillermo Mayer

Guillermo Mayer became president and CEO of Public Advocates Inc. in Nov. 2013 after serving for more than 9 years on the organization’s legal team. There, he specialized in litigation and advocacy to improve public transportation services in low-income communities and communities of color.

The grandson of a bracero who worked on California’s railroads in the 1940s, Mayer immigrated to the United States from Mexico with his parents and older brother when he was 10 years old. His experience growing up on both sides of the Tijuana/San Diego border propelled him into political activism at an early age, organizing against propositions 187 and 209.

Guillermo received a bachelor's degree in political science from San Diego State University in 1997 and minored in domestic and American studies, and served as the Associated Students president. Encouraged by Public Advocates attorneys to attend law school, Guillermo followed their advice and graduated from the UCLA School of Law in 2004 with concentrations in Critical Race Theory and Public Interest Law and Policy.

Before joining Public Advocates, Guillermo worked in the California Senate as legislative director for former State Senator Tom Hayden and as a legislative aide for former State Senator Hilda Solis. There, he worked on an array of legislative matters, including higher education, immigrant rights, health care and gang violence prevention.

Guillermo is a proud Mexican soccer fan and resides with his wife and son in Oakland, California.

Tell us the highlights of your professional career.  What are your proudest achievements?

Having immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico when I was 10 years old and been granted the rights and protections of our Constitution and laws, I’m proud to now work to protect and expand those rights for others as President and CEO of Public Advocates Inc.

After graduating from San Diego State University in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, I worked in state politics for two legislators, Hilda Solis and Tom Hayden. There, I collaborated with two dynamic civil rights attorneys who inspired me to go to law school. These same attorneys gave me my first job after graduating from the UCLA School of Law. For the past nine years, I’ve been working with community groups throughout California to improve funding for public schools, affordable housing and public transportation services. Giving back to communities, like the ones I came from, has been my proudest and most rewarding achievement.

What’s your favorite college memory?

Serving as student body president was my most memorable experience. I was part of a generation of students of color who fought for better representation in A.S. Council and in university decision-making. It was beautiful to see so many young talented people step up, organize and empower others to make our campus more inclusive and effective in serving the needs of our diverse communities. I continue to draw inspiration from those experiences and many the friendships we forged to this day.

Who was your favorite professor and/or what was your favorite class?

I owe much of my academic development and success to Rene Nuñez.  As a professor who helped establish Chicano/a Studies throughout California, he inspired generations of students, including myself, to become agents for community empowerment. Nuñez challenged me to think critically, to assess the historic and structural causes of social problems, and to organize with my peers. Our community deeply mourned his passing in 2006.

If you were to give current SDSU students some advice, what would you say?

Pursue your dreams.  College is a place to let your intellectual curiosity run loose, discover your many talents and develop great friendships and mentors. The foundations of your professional career will be set here, so don’t lose focus but enjoy yourself at the same time and give back to others if you can.

What are you currently reading? What’s your favorite book?

I’m a total geek, so I’m hooked on George R.R. Martin’s "Game of Thrones" book series (and the HBO show).

What quality do you value most in friends and colleagues?

There’s no word for it, but it’s that attribute that allows you to reconnect with an old friend and continue on as if you had never lost touch.

What is your passion?

Working for equality.

What is your motto?

Everything is going to work out.

If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?

I would work for free. I would also set aside enough money to make sure all of the children in my extended family can go to college. I would then split the rest between philanthropic giving and enjoying quality time with my wife and son.