WESST Client Profile
International Brokerage
Victor Peña
Victor Peña is a Cuban political refugee which is defined by the United Nations as someone who has reasonable fear of persecution because of political conviction, religious beliefs, ethnicity or tribal membership. According to the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, New Mexico received last year alone, a total of 194 refugees; 157 of them from Cuba.
Catholic Charities, a faith-based organization, is the only refugee resettlement agency in New Mexico. Through a successful partnership with Catholic Charities, Victor was referred to WESST's special initiative Refugee Microenterprise Development Training.
Victor Peña arrived in Albuquerque from Cuba in 1998 and started his business with the purchase of a four-plex housing unit. Coming from such a distinct economic environment like Cuba, Peña faced immense obstacles in becoming self-employed. Through the WESST business assistance program, he learned marketing and sales techniques, financial literacy skills, pricing and customer service. Although this took great effort, Peña believes that operating his own business is worth the struggle. "You have to risk making your own way… if you don't take the risk, you won't succeed.”
In 2004, Victor Peña borrowed $10,000 from the WESST Loan Fund. The proceeds were used for building maintenance and property improvements.
Peña now manages several properties. He received a realtor's license and recently opened a realty agency/property investment firm called International Brokerage with two partners. Peña plans to increase his property investment business this year and expects to pay back his loan from WESST in the near future. Meanwhile, Victor joined WESST in 2007 as the Refugee Loan Project Coordinator.
International Brokerage
Victor Peña
504 Louisiana Blvd SE
Albuquerque, NM 87108
505-268-2966