Alfonso shared his inspiring story of how he rose from a remote farming family in Dolores, Oaxaca, Mexico (speaking no English), to being invited to the White House as Washington State school "Principal of the Year".  He titled his presentation "Our Inner Power - Believe in Yourself; Discover your Own Potential and put it into the service of Others".  He expressed belief in all people as having potential and being smart enough to succeed.

He came to the US to learn English and to return to Mexico as a better teacher.  But it took longer than expected, resulting in loss of his job in Mexico.  Thus, he became a teacher in Wenatchee after working in the orchards and on a cattle ranch near Ellensburg.  He learned English at Heritage University, became a teacher's aide at Lewis & Clark Elementary, then rose to principal, ultimately becoming state principal of the year, mainly for his work in promoting dual language education.  He has received other awards in teaching, now serving as the first ever Director of Hispanic Relations in Wenatchee schools.