According to a profile published in "ElPetroglifo" Congreso's publication, Nick has traveled extensively inLatin America, visiting Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Belize and Costa Rica. He taught bilingual education in the South Bronx for two years. He earned a Master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin. Then he headed North.  What brought you to Philadelphia? Following a professional career of teaching in urban inner cities (NYC), providing professional counseling services to children and families, a motivation to serve emerging Latino communities .... led me to work in Philadelphia and for the Latino community. 

What was your initial impression of Congreso? 

 An organization that had a dream and a vision to make a true impact on a community. An organization that was open to thinking outside the box. An organization that was willing to go the extra mile to make sure that true impact happened. An organization that was driven by quality and with the clients being the reason for existence. In short, Congreso was never brought down by politics - It was pure to the cause. 

How has it changed during you r years there? I've learned to become a leader within this community. I've become part of the network of individuals believing in what's possible. I've moved from making a difference to individuals to moving a larger agenda that will have a sustaining impact on the larger community. I've learned to move agendas for the community and the city of Philadelphia. Congreso found its former headquarters on Girard Avenue a bit too small for its quickly expanding services. Furthermore, there was a feeling among staffers and the leadership that the organization needed to relocate to be closer to where most of their clients live and work. Nick was instrumental in that move and he was one of the most proud individuals when the new building opened in 2001. A key to his approach is his willingness and ability to work with different constituencies. He said: 

I've learned to be humble within the work that we do. I've learned that my knowledge and work is only a small part of actually making an impact on the people we serve. I've learned that to truely represent this community, I need to understand at a ground level what are the true needs.

I've learned to respect the wisdom of those older then myself who have a long history of impacting community change and pair it with new youthful energy.

Congreso has become one of the largest non profit agencies not only in the state but nationally. It was rankled number 12 among Hispanic organization by Hispanic Business. A large part of that success is owed to his leadership.  I've built the Children and Youth Services division from 2 small after school programs and 2 intervention programs to 5 comprehensive after school and summer programs, 5 comprehensive intervention programs, 4 youth leadership and employment programs, college awareness programs. 

That list alone could explain why the organization needed to expand its facilities and the reason that even the new building is already too small for the services that Congreso offers. Mr. Torres's energy and the energy and dedication of his team continue to expand the importance and prestige of the agency.

I've moved the agency agenda from one of responding to crisis to one of preparing the community members for the world of tomorrow. In short, we are providing the skills, training, and prevention programming to ensure that our leaders of tomorrow will be ready to face the world of tomorrow. I've created an agenda to build coalitions and ensure that the community works together toward a better future.

What do you think is your best contribution? 
Energy, innovative thinking, an agenda of growing leaders ...

What is the perception of Congreso by the community? 

The United Way of North Philadelphia. A friend to all. Always ready to provide a helping hand. QUALITY. 

What is the future of the agency? 

Workforce Development and Coalition Building for common agendas. Finally, Nick thinks carefully about where he is and how far he has traveled. He feels the weight of his responsibility. Without losing any of his optimism he knows what leadership means. Personally, I have many more gray hairs and have aged 8 years for my four at Congreso.