Personal History

• Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas
• 1958-1961 served in the U.S. Army
• 1962 married Susana. Celebrated 45 years of marital bliss 11/25/07

Employment and Professional Experience

Corpus Christi Police Force for a number of years

Small Business Administration Disaster Program

As a member of the Mexican American Council for Economic Progress (MACEP), Roberto became a Business Development Specialist. At their suggestion, Amaya enrolled in 12-week Housing Development program at American University in Washington, D.C. Here, Roberto continued to develop his skills in economic development, production of feasibility studies, etc. Afterwards, Amaya continued to work with MACEP in Uvalde, Texas then transferred to an Austin, TX office in 1972.

MACEP worked with the Department of Commerce Local Economic Development Corporation. Through their joint arrangement, Roberto was tasked with creating the Austin Minority Economic Development Corporation. Roberto founded and directed the organization from 1973-1976. The organization continued to exist until 1980 when it was taken over by the city and became the Austin Economic Development Corporation.

In 1976, Mr. Amaya started and operated his own restaurant titled “Amaya’s Taco Village.”

Amaya was founding member of the Mexican American Chamber of Commerce along with former Mayor Gus Garcia. The title of the organization has been changed to the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Roberto Amaya is an active member of the Pastoral Council at St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Through the church, attended a 32 week Social Justice Course called “Just Faith”

“This is a history of my life experiences.” Thank you! Roberto C. Amaya