“Federico Peña has over the years of his life contributed immensely to the public interest. As Mayor of Denver, he completed projects which had only been wished and proposals for decades. As a Cabinet officer he led two departments critical to domestic priorities – transportation and energy. This autobiography masterfully describes how he succeeded while continuously retaining his respect for public values, his approachable manner, his genuine sincerity, and his resolute integrity. Some public figures jettison their basic humanity in their drive to get things done. Federico's life story proves that a leader can be both genuinely decent and epically effective.”
—Henry Cisneros, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
“One of the finest public servants it has been my pleasure to know, Federico Peña has a remarkable story to tell and he tells it with candor, humility, and wisdom…As one of America’s most distinguished Hispanic leaders, he has been instrumental in bringing the wider Hispanic community into the mainstream of American life. Federico Peña’s life is an inspiration to us all and a challenge to future generations to ask what they can do for their country.”
—Senator and Presidential candidate Gary Hart
“Federico’s story is America’s story—the continuing capacity of our nation to generate great leaders from all walks of life, whose integrity, wisdom, and passion to the common good makes America stronger…Federico Peña has a treasure trove of insights about how to provide opportunity for all, rebuild our economy, and restore upward mobility…A powerful memoir and even more powerful assessment of where we are and where we can be.”
—Robert Reich, Secretary of Labor, Chancellor’s Professor, University of California at Berkeley
“Federico’s book is the story of an amazing self-starter. Born in Texas he was soon a middle child as triplets were born after him. He powered on with his big heart, dreams and mind to become the kind of leader America so desperately needs.”
—Former Congresswoman Pat Schroeder
“Federico Peña has over the years of his life contributed immensely to the public interest. As Mayor of Denver, he completed projects which had only been wished and proposals for decades. As a Cabinet officer he led two departments critical to domestic priorities – transportation and energy. This autobiography masterfully describes how he succeeded while continuously retaining his respect for public values, his approachable manner, his genuine sincerity, and his resolute integrity. Some public figures jettison their basic humanity in their drive to get things done. Federico's life story proves that a leader can be both genuinely decent and epically effective.”
—Henry Cisneros, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
“One of the finest public servants it has been my pleasure to know, Federico Peña has a remarkable story to tell and he tells it with candor, humility, and wisdom…As one of America’s most distinguished Hispanic leaders, he has been instrumental in bringing the wider Hispanic community into the mainstream of American life. Federico Peña’s life is an inspiration to us all and a challenge to future generations to ask what they can do for their country.”
—Senator and Presidential candidate Gary Hart
About the Author
Federico Peña has enjoyed success in law, politics and business. Born and raised in a South Texas border town, he has made Denver his home for nearly fifty years. Elected Mayor in 1983 during a disastrous recession, he managed to revitalize Denver with his vision of Imagine a Great City. He is credited with building Denver International Airport, bringing Major League Baseball's Colorado Rockies to Denver and transforming Denver's Platte Valley and transforming 32 blocks into historic LoDo, the thriving urban mecca of housing and business that it is today. Federico served in two cabinet positions under President Bill Clinton, in Transportation and Energy and later as a Co-Chair of the Obama for President Campaign in 2008. Returning to Denver from Washington DC he has worked in private equity and impact investing and has served on numerous corporate and non-profit boards. With roots as a Civil Rights attorney, Federico continues to work for systemic change in education. He is a loving husband, father, and grandfather and a grateful to be an adopted son of the great State of Colorado.
