Latino Network lauds Aurora author

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Updated: August 4, 2011 4:20PM

Auroran Robert Renteria, author of the inspirational autobiography From the Barrio to the Boardroom, has been named Latino Professional of the Year by the Chicago Latino Network.

Renteria received his award at a Friday night ceremony at the Drake Hotel in Chicago — and he said the experience was magical.

From the Barrio tells the story of Renteria’s life, from growing up in the poor neighborhoods of Los Angeles to becoming a successful North Aurora businessman, before moving to Aurora and writing his book.

At 49, Renteria closed his long-running laundry business, WashPro, and has since dedicated himself to promoting his book as a teaching tool. It’s already been made part of the curriculum for Chicago public schools.

“Wonders never cease, that a poor Latino boy could come here and be Chicago’s Latino Professional of the Year,” Renteria said. “It was an honor to represent Aurora.”

The Chicago Latino Network is a resource for more than 46,000 people in the Chicagoland area, according to its website. The group has been naming top Latino professionals since 2005. Renteria was one of four finalists chosen from dozens of entries.

For him, this win means a chance to reach more people with his story. He is adamant that From the Barrio is not just a book; it’s a way to help kids deal with the issues they face — the same issues, Renteria says, he dealt with as a young man.

From the Barrio has been adapted into a comic book, called Mi Barrio, which is available now at his website (www.fromthebarrio.com) and Amazon.com. Renteria plans to focus on his From the Barrio Foundation, which is working to get the book into schools around the state and beyond.

“I’m here to truly help people change their lives,” he said. “I wrote this book with no other intention than to help.”