Gabriel Anguiano Jr. has been a resident of Newark for over 20 years. Born and raised in East Palo Alto, CA, Gabriel grew up in a family that embedded in him the values of humility, respect, and open-mindedness—principles that have guided him throughout his life. In pursuit of achieving “El Sueño Americano”— “The American Dream,” his parents also instilled in him a profound emphasis on the value of hard work and perseverance, believing that these qualities were essential for realizing their aspirations.
His educational path began at Willow Oaks and Menlo Oaks School, followed by Ravenswood Middle School. At just 9 years old, Gabriel embarked on his first job as a paperboy for The Times Tribune, a role that marked the beginning of his strong work ethic. He continued his education at Carlmont High School before working for Communications Power Industries (CPI) in San Carlos, where he took advantage of a tuition assistance program to attend Heald College. There, he earned his degree with honors, along with an Associates in Applied Science in Technology.
Gabriel’s commitment to his hometown became evident when he returned to East Palo Alto to support and uplift his community. In the early 2000s, he recognized the growing demand for technology careers and the need for better community involvement. This realization led him to join the Technology Access Point (TAP) center as an evening instructor for adults in order to bridge the gap in tech education. Two years later, he was recruited by the Ravenswood City School District’s IT department, where he has been dedicated to local education for over two decades. Currently, he serves as the Coordinator of Family & Community Engagement, fostering strong relationships with partners to support students as lifelong learners.
Gabriel’s dedication extends beyond his professional role. He is involved in numerous non-profit organizations aimed at raising awareness and supporting the community, particularly in combating human trafficking—a significant issue affecting East Palo Alto. His efforts include hosting Family Workshops, creating the East Palo Alto Against Human Trafficking Coalition (EPAC), and training staff and community members on safety protocols and behavior management systems.
Moreover, Gabriel is an active participant in local safety and community groups, such as The EPA Safety Group and The Community Trust Meetings in Menlo Park & Menlo Atherton. His commitment to creating safer environments is evident through his involvement in Safe Routes to School and School Fellowship Teams.
By embodying these qualities, he’s devoted to driving the success and advancement of the school district, while profoundly enriching students' educational experiences and fostering a nurturing learning environment.
