Gonzalo was born and raised in the Belmont area of the Bronx, raised by a single mother who emigrated from El Salvador. He attended DeWitt Clinton High School, engaging in wrestling, volunteering at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, working as a bag boy in a local supermarket, and other extracurricular activities. Originally drawn to animal sciences with aspirations of becoming a Veterinarian, his path shifted during his senior year when he volunteered to join the United States Marine Corps.
In his eight years of military service, Gonzalo reached the rank of Sergeant and completed one tour in Iraq. A devoted father of two, he faced challenges upon leaving the military, experiencing homelessness and job struggles. Eventually, he graduated from Fordham University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science, aspiring to become a doctor.
Stable again, Gonzalo excelled at the Bronx Veterans Affairs and Bronx Labor Department but grew disenchanted with their limitations. As a Marine Corps Veteran, he discovered the struggles faced by fellow Veterans and chose to take action. As the Chief Executive Officer of Devil Dog USA Incorporated, Gonzalo addressed the needs of Bronx Veterans and the community, advocating for mental health awareness, suicide prevention, unemployment, and ending homelessness through housing programs, employment workshops, and recreational activities.
Concerned about the economic challenges in his neighborhood, Gonzalo is driven to change the trajectory. He envisions a future where the next generation of Bronxites can afford to live in their community. Focused on combating the impact of luxury housing and high-end malls, he believes in throwing himself into the political ring to bring about positive change.