Robert Torres

Senior Program Officer

Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

The first question has always been: How can I have the biggest impact?

About Robert

Grew up in the projects in deep poverty.
His siblings started doing drugs from a young age because they were widely available in his neighborhood.
Made it through high school, went to Oberlin College, but still didn't know what he wanted to do with his life.
Moved to Oakland to do Teach For America, saw many poor Hispanic families, similar to his own.
Realized that his problems were universal, decided he wanted to work with low-income children.
Calls his impoverished background his "secret weapon."
Believes that ultimate success means being a free person, having a completely open mind.
Feels he's successful because his job lets him collaborate with creative people, think outside of the box.