When he retired from his position as an editor and translator for the United Nations after 34 years, Luis Diaz wanted to somehow give back to North Bergen, where he lived for most of his life after leaving his native Cuba in the 1960s.
“I wanted to fulfill a lifelong ambition to help the town where I live,” said Diaz, who was appointed as a member of the township’s Board of Education last week. “I approached Mayor [Nicholas] Sacco a few years ago and told him that I would like to be of some help.”
Diaz has two children who grew up in the North Bergen school system, so he is aware of how the district operates and of its concerns.
But more importantly, he says he knows the value of education, considering his background and history. Diaz fled Cuba on July 4, 1961.
“It was my independence,” he said.
He left for Spain after having completed two years of education in Cuba, where he studied international and civil law. However, any credit from those years was lost once Diaz left his homeland.
Diaz arrived in the United States in 1965 and was fortunate enough to secure the first job he applied for – as translator with the United Nations.
“I knew five languages,” said Diaz, who can speak English, Spanish, French, Italian, and Catalan. “So that helped.”
However, Diaz was not satisfied with his job alone, so he attended Fordham University and majored in secondary education at the age of 40. He received his degree from Fordham in 1987.
“I just wanted to get a chance to continue my education,” Diaz said. “I remember being in class with someone who asked me how old I was. We became friends because we were older in a class filled with teenagers. I figured it was never too late to continue my education.”
Diaz also attended Yale University’s College of Translation. “I felt if I had the will and the opportunity, then I should take it,” Diaz said. “It really helped me with my career. I always felt like there was room for improvement. Because of my experience, I definitely know the value of an education.”
Upon his promotion to liaison officer with the United Nations, Diaz’ responsibilities included the preparation and distribution of official documentation for conferences held at the UN and abroad, and maintaining distribution of documents to the heads of different departments and related personnel throughout the United Nations Secretariat.
Diaz also fulfilled other roles at the United Nations, such as treaty series editorial assistant and Spanish editor. His wife of 27 years, Maria, still works at the UN.
Sacco recommended that Diaz take over the seat on the board that was vacant because of the untimely death of former board president Mary Calabria, who was killed in a fire in February. Calabria gained re-election posthumously last week, but Diaz has been tabbed to finish out the one-year term.
“After taking time to consider it, I thought it was a great honor,” said Diaz, who was sworn into office at a meeting last week. “I think the main issue right now is the school overcrowding. Something has to be done in that.”
Diaz realizes that he is taking over in a time of turmoil for the board. In addition to losing Calabria, the board is still staggering from the death of long-time secretary Jack Duffy, who died two weeks ago.
“I was saddened by the demise of Mr. Duffy, who was a wonderful man,” Diaz said. “And Ms. Calabria was also someone who cared so much for the children. I’m going to rely on the experience of the board members to help me through. I know that Mr. Duffy left huge footprints, but I hope to make my own footprints as well.”
Diaz thinks his experience in his career, as well as his experience in education, will help him in his new role.
“I knew I had to fight hard to get my education,” Diaz said. “I worked hard and was able to receive the fruits.”
Superintendent of Schools Peter Fischbach was happy to have Diaz as a board trustee. “We are excited to have Mr. Diaz as one of the board’s trustees,” Fischbach said. “I believe his education and employment background will make him a valuable member of our team.”