Southwest Voter Registration Education Project (SVREP) and William C. Velásquez Institute (WCVI) mourn the incredible loss to the Latino community from the passing of Juan Maldonado. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of SVREP and WCVI. Juan Maldonado died on July 5, 2024 after battling an illness.

As the Chairman of the Board of Directors of both organizations for more than 36 years, he worked tirelessly to mobilize Latino voters, promote civic participation and improve the lives of immigrants living in the United States. He was a Chicano leader and activist. Juan dedicated his life to the transformation of the Latino community, from one who was invisible to one that had the power to transform communities.

Juan Maldonado was a longtime friend, compadre to the late William C. Velásquez. He was a friend to Andrew Hernandez, Antonio González and Lydia Camarillo. Juan Maldonado as Chairman worked closely with the four SVREP and WCVI presidents.

As the SVREP Chairman of the Board of Directors, Juan Maldonado saw Latino political power expand from 1974 to 2024, from 2.4 million to 20.6 million registered voters. Under his leadership, Latino voters were the decisive vote in the 2016 and 2020 elections, as well as the 2021 US Senate runoff elections in Georgia.

As Chairman of the Board of Directors of WCVI, Juan was part of the delegations that traveled with Velásquez, Hernandez and González to observe the Nicaraguan, Salvadoran, South African, Mexican, and Venezuelan electoral processes in from 1990 to 2014.

Juan Maldonado dedicated his life to fighting against anti-immigrant, anti-Latino policies. As Chairman of SVREP and WCVI, Juan was a key member of the efforts both organizations have undertaken over the last five decades.

Juan Maldonado first met William Velásquez when he served as Mayor of San Juan in 1977. He was elected to the San Juan City Commission in 1971. Juan tore down barriers and opened the doors in the Rio Grande Valley.

Juan Maldonado transformed the political power of Latinos in San Juan and across the Rio Grande Valley. Juan Maldonado is survived by his wife Debra Maldonado, his son, Juan, and family and friends.

Rest in Power, Juan! Juan Maldonado Presente!