20 under 40: Alonzo Trejo

Favorite quote or saying, why?

“Do not let making a living prevent you from making a life.” – John Wooden

Great reminder that sometimes we get caught up in our work and forget to enjoy family time. To be happy and really enjoy life there has to be a work/life balance.

Community or professional highlights:

I help clean communities in south Modesto during the I Love Modesto event. Teaming up with El Concilio, Congregations Building Communities, Mi Familia Vota and others providing assistance in DACA and Citizenship workshops. Coaching my three boys’ sports teams. I was hired as a branch manager for Self-Help Federal Credit Union in August 2014. After a year in my position I was promoted as the Northern Central Valley area manager and recently inherited overseeing the contact center for the credit union.

Your life changed when:

My son Kaidence was born. I was only 20 years old and a college student. I had to mature and work hard to provide for my little man.

What do you want people to know most about you?

My work ethic. Although I lack a college degree, my parents taught me a strong work ethic and doing the bare minimum is not enough. To be successful, you must go above and beyond your regular responsibilities every day.

What do you like most about living here?

Large city with small-town feel.

Why is community involvement important?

When you’re involved in the community you learn about it. You take ownership of the needs and its issues. It fosters partnerships between groups and individuals for a good cause and strengthens the community.

This story was originally published August 21, 2016 at 6:14 AM with the headline "20 under 40: Alonzo Trejo."