Meet Philippe
Hi, I'm Philippe. I live in Laurelhurst with my wife, our two kids, and two spirited dogs. I moved to the United States from Mexico City when I was five, growing up mainly in rural Upstate New York. I was raised by my mom who worked in the service industry. After my mom died when I was 15, my best friend's family welcomed me as part of their family. These formative experiences—overcoming challenges, understanding the importance of hard work, and experiencing the generosity of those around me—have profoundly influenced who I am, shaping my goals, values and worldview.
A Commitment to Public Service and Advocacy
After graduating from Macalester College in St. Paul, I was fortunate enough to begin my career working for US Senator Paul Wellstone as a canvasser. The experience showed me the power of community organizing and taught me that I could make a career out of living my values.
Since law school, I have devoted my career to advocating for low-income people and underserved communities. I began as an attorney representing low-income tenants facing eviction and substandard housing conditions. I later transitioned to public defense. Through these experiences, I gained a profound understanding of the systemic challenges that disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
After nearly a decade as a trial attorney, I transitioned into program leadership, overseeing legal programs and teams at the Legal Aid Society and the Northwest Justice Project in Vancouver, Washington.
My commitment to public service also grew as I took on leadership roles within city and state governments, including at the New York City Human Rights Commission and the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid. These positions allowed me to influence legislation and implement programs directly tackling civil rights, discrimination, and prioritizing the needs of the community.
These varied roles have only deepened my belief in the transformative power of responsive, effective government and well-crafted policy. I am convinced that with thoughtful, empathetic leadership, we can create lasting positive change in people’s lives.
Vision for District 3: Practical Solutions, Positive Change
My campaign for city council is driven by a vision of tangible and positive changes for District 3. My priorities include:
Homelessness and Housing: I aim to address homelessness with compassion and innovation. The work involves implementing multiple strategies, including providing supportive temporary shelter to ensure no one has to sleep in tents on the street, and expanding pathways to stable housing.
Responsive Public Safety: I want to advance more responsive emergency services and community-based programs that prioritize strong response times, trained crisis intervention, and preventive care to foster a safer and stronger Portland.