Johnny Pineda, 2012 Western States Petroleum Association (WSPA) Polanco Energy Fellow, received his undergraduate degree from California State University San Bernardino (CSUSB) with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administrations with a concentration in Public Administration and minor in Spanish Literature in 2007.  While at CSUSB he was active in athletics, playing soccer for the CSUSB team.  Johnny then attended the University of Redlands, where he earned his Master’s degree in Business Management in 2009. 

Growing up in Palencia, Guatemala he immigrated to the United States at the age of 13 years in 1996.  As a child farm worker in Guatemala, Johnny grew up knowing the value of hard work and has held positions in a variety of industries including: Agriculture, Education, Sport, Automobile, Banking and Local Government. Most recently Johnny served as a Commissioner of the Planning Commission for the City of Huntington Park.

In addition to his work experience, Johnny is the Co-founder of, “La Prensa de California”, an online Spanish blog with the primary focus to inform Spanish speaking Californians on various legislative issues in Sacramento. As a volunteer, Johnny has organized fundraising events for the American Cancer Society-Relay for Life in the Southeast cities. 

As a Polanco Fellow, Johnny hopes to learn the leadership skills to expand upon his personal interests including immigration, education, health care, access to affordable housing and job security in underserved communities. Ultimately he hopes to continue his education and earn a Doctorate in Business Administration and pursue a career as a public servant holding elected municipal office.