About Ivan

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 For far too long, Southwest Houston has been neglected. Ivan Sanchez is running to represent District J on Houston City Council. Together we will bring back the pride of Southwest Houston!

As an accomplished commercial real estate lender, investor, and community leader, Ivan Sanchez is ready to get to work for the residents of District J. Ivan's passion for public service was ignited at the University of Houston-Downtown where he earned a Political Science Degree. Ivan utilizes the skills gained at Rice University's Real Estate Investment & Development program to support financial literacy in our community. Ivan learned first-hand the necessity of having quality representation while working for a U.S Congressional Representative and City of Houston Council Member. He has the experience and drive to fulfill our current leadership void. 

 Ivan was six years old when his family fled a narco-socialist Colombia for safety in the best country in the World, the United States of America. While in Colombia, Ivan’s father, a geophysicist, was kidnapped four times, and his mother, Marisol Moreno, an accomplished attorney became the target of death threats after putting criminals in prison. Ivan and his family left everything behind in Colombia, only escaping with their lives to Houston where Ivan and his two older brothers were raised.

 Growing up, Ivan witnessed firsthand what it takes to achieve the American Dream. By playing by the rules and working hard, Ivan’s mother repeated law school and graduated from the University of Texas School of Law in Austin. She then became a successful entrepreneur and author. Unfortunately, Ivan’s mother lost her battle with cancer during Ivan's senior year of high school. Ivan has and continues to depend on his faith and family values, which encourages him to dream big and fight for the common good of all people.

 Ivan learned from a young age about work ethic. He took on several jobs to pay for his college education and developed his leadership skills with volunteer internships and leadership roles. As the UHD Student Body President, Ivan engaged and mobilized sixty percent of the student body to register and turn out to vote! For his voter engagement success, Ivan Sanchez received meritorious recognition from the White House, and upon college graduation, Ivan Sanchez was hired to work in the TX-18th Congressional Office of the United States of America.

 From pushing shopping carts at Kroger, to helping push legislation in the United States Congress, Ivan served whole-heartedly to solve the issues of everyday Houstonians. With a strong work ethic, Ivan spent many sleepless nights solving severe constituent cases, ranging from helping veterans and seniors receive benefits, escalating unjust immigration matters, and resolving State Department and international consulate constituent matters. This critical work also included advocating for veterans that were unfairly treated at VA hospitals and ensuring elderly folks received their Social Security checks on time. Ivan earned the reputation that he gets things done. 

 To provide other young people opportunity and resources, Ivan founded Houston Millennials, a now nationally awarded organization that promotes advancement through job fairs, health expos, business classes, and community service opportunities. From “Roses 4 Janitors” on Valentines day, to planting flags at the National Veterans Cemetery for Memorial Day, Ivan created a movement that positively impacts the City of Houston.  

 At thirty years old, Ivan stepped down from his steady job to run for Congress (TX-7) and risked it all. Ivan saw the opportunity to give more to the community. As the youngest candidate to ever run for that seat, the loss of the congressional race served as a valuable lesson. Ivan knows that nothing can substitute experience.  

 Ivan then jumped into the private sector and started several small businesses before landing in real estate. He played a critical role in closing multi-million-dollar transactions and financing churches, gas stations, and beautifying structures throughout the City of Houston. Armed with knowledge, he purchased and rehabilitated old apartment buildings, flipping them into beautiful, thriving communities. 

 While finding a successful business venture and residing in Sharpstown for more than a decade, Ivan looked around his neighborhood and saw crime on the rise, rampant illegal dumping, and outdated infrastructure. Ivan will invest quality expertise in business and community development for the benefit of District J.

"We are building a Houston that works for everyone. To do that, we need a strong economy and to stop crime. Our children deserve a safe environment, funded education, and a future full of opportunity. 

My name is Ivan Sanchez, and with my reputation of getting things done, I promise to work day-and-night to see Houston and District J at the very top!"