Community Leader Spotlight: Pete Lugo
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Pete Lugo, Aspen Public School, Community Schools Coordinator, pete.lugo@aspenps.org
- What gives you excitement?
- What excites me most is taking a moment to look back and remember where I came from, truly seeing how far I’ve come. My journey, both professionally and personally, has been marked by lessons, blessings, and opportunities that continue to motivate me every day. I carry deep gratitude for everyone who has believed in me, guided me, and invested in my growth along the way. Their encouragement has shaped who I am and fuels my desire to pour that same support into others. My path began through service, volunteering at juvenile boot camps and mentoring youth groups, and finding purpose in helping young people discover their own potential. From there, I was fortunate to serve with incredible organizations, such as the Boys & Girls Club of Fresno County and The Children’s Movement of Fresno County. Each step has deepened my commitment to this calling. Today, I’m truly honored to serve with Aspen Public Schools, where I have the opportunity to continue this mission every day: empowering others to grow, learn, and thrive. What fills my heart the most is seeing the growth happening all around us, from our youth to our families, educators, and community partners, as we witness the passion people bring as they work toward brighter futures. It’s a privilege to walk alongside individuals who are now doing phenomenal work, giving back, and believing in themselves. Their drive and dedication remind me why this work matters and how powerful it is when a community comes together with love, purpose.
- What keeps you up at night?
- What keeps me up at night is knowing I have two beautiful daughters who look to me for guidance, strength, and love, and realizing that I’m not immortal, that tomorrow isn’t promised. As a father, my greatest hope is to be the kind of dad who encourages them always to do their best, to stay kind, and to chase their dreams with courage and purpose. I often think about the world we live in today, the challenges families face with immigration, the rising cost of living, and how easily some can lose their way through struggles with drugs, alcohol, or despair. It’s not easy seeing the hurt and hardship around us. But even in the midst of all that, I hold on to gratitude, gratitude for the lessons I’ve learned, for the mentors and role models who shaped me, and for the chance to do the same for others. My deepest hope is that my daughters and every young person out there find that one person, that one community, or that one organization willing to walk with them, believe in them, and help them see that they matter. Because I’ve seen the power of love, support, and guidance, and I know that when we show up for one another, we can change lives and build a future filled with hope.
- What gives you hope?
- What gives me hope is the heart of our community, the people, families, organizations, and small businesses that pour so much time and love into helping our city grow. It’s the way everyone shows up, creating spaces where opportunities can bloom, not just for our youth, but for adults who are still chasing dreams and building new beginnings. Hope lives in the effort of seeing neighbors helping neighbors, leaders stepping up, and everyday people finding ways to make a difference. It reminds me that real change happens when we come together, united by a shared belief that things can get better. Knowing that so many of us want the same thing, a stronger, safer, more connected community, fills me with hope. It’s that shared purpose, that collective drive, that keeps me believing in what’s possible when we choose to invest in one another.
- If you could wave your magic wand, what is the first thing you would change or add?
- If I could wave my magic wand, I’d create an unlimited bank card, one that never runs out. There are so many incredible ideas, programs, and dreams within our schools, nonprofits, and community organizations, all designed to lift up families and open doors for our youth. But too often, those dreams get paused or pushed aside because the funding just isn’t there. With unlimited resources, we could remove so many barriers that hold people back. We could create more affordable housing, expand access to healthcare, and build real career pathways that lead to stability and purpose. Our families would have access to quality education, career readiness programs, and job placement opportunities that help them grow and thrive. More than anything, it would mean we could invest deeper in what matters most to people. Because when we give our communities the tools, resources, and hope they deserve, we’re not just changing lives; we’re building a future where everyone has the chance to succeed.
- More about Pete’s journey
- Hello, I’m Pete Lugo — Aspen Public Schools Community School Coordinator. My journey in youth development and community building began many years ago, driven by a simple but powerful belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner, reminding them of what’s possible. It started through volunteer work with at-risk youth in juvenile hall systems and camps, where I saw firsthand how a single act of encouragement, a moment of understanding, or a word of hope could help change a life’s direction. I also spent years mentoring in youth groups, and it was there I discovered my true calling, walking alongside young people and families, helping them see their potential and the strength they already carry within. That calling led me into an 18-year career with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Fresno County, where I poured my heart into programs focused on academic success, healthy living, and strong character and leadership. I began as a Club Unit Director and grew into the role of Director of Operations, a journey that taught me the value of mentorship, teamwork, and innovation. I was blessed with the chance to guide and support Club Directors, helping them dream bigger for their youth, their teams, and their communities. Some of my most meaningful moments came from working hand-in-hand with families, connecting them to resources, celebrating their wins, and strengthening the bonds that make our neighborhoods resilient. In 2023, I joined The Children’s Movement of Fresno County, stepping into a space where community voice and advocacy meet action. Together, we’ve worked to elevate equity, inclusion, and shared leadership, creating spaces where the lived experiences of Fresno residents help shape real solutions. It was a reminder that when people come together with purpose and heart, lasting change is possible. Now, as part of Aspen Public Schools, I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue that mission. As the Community School Coordinator, I’m focused on growing a network of trust, collaboration, and opportunity, ensuring that every student and family feels seen, supported, and inspired. I’m especially excited about strengthening partnerships with organizations like GO Public Schools, whose resources and community-centered vision are powerful tools for helping families better understand the education landscape and their role in shaping it. Together, I hope we can create more opportunities for families to get involved, stay informed, and lead with confidence in their child’s journey. What excites me most about this chapter is knowing that we’re building something together, a movement where students succeed academically and personally, families feel empowered to lead, and communities grow stronger with every connection made. And when the workday ends, you’ll often find me creating art, camping or fishing (even if I’m not great at it), and traveling with my wife and our two daughters, soaking in every adventure, every laugh, and every reminder of what truly matters most.