Bernardo “Bernie” Navarro grew up in Miami, dreaming of attending the University of Miami. Despite his hardworking Cuban parents, money was tight, making his dream seem distant. But a surprising encounter changed everything.
At the end of January, Navarro will start a new chapter as the U.S. Ambassador to Peru. He can’t wait to serve and strengthen U.S.-Peru relations.
“This appointment is a great honor,” Navarro said. “I’ve worked in Peru before, and it’s an important country for us. Despite its challenges, Peru has a strong economy, and it’s crucial we stay engaged.”
Growing up in Miami, Navarro earned a degree in international finance and marketing from the University of Miami in 1994. He later received a Master’s in government from Harvard. A successful entrepreneur and civic leader, he founded a private equity firm and has a solid reputation in real estate finance and economic recovery.
Navarro credits his education as a life-changer, a chance he almost didn’t get. A pivotal moment came when Jim Balter, a university employee, visited his home. Balter’s son was among the kids that Navarro’s mother cared for after school. During a visit, Balter offered Navarro a job at the university that would cover tuition. That job opened the door to college for Navarro, a chance he might not have had otherwise.
Navarro describes his childhood as humble. His parents lost everything when they immigrated, but they worked tirelessly so he and his siblings could pursue their dreams. His mother’s determination left a lasting impact on him. She sold dresses door-to-door and even started a childcare service, which led to her connection with Balter.
“My mom’s hard work taught me that anything is possible with effort,” Navarro reflected. “That kindness from Jim changed everything.”
While he worked and attended school, Hurricane Andrew hit Florida, making his role at the university even more critical. He worked directly with the then-President to help navigate challenges during that crisis.
Navarro was sworn into his ambassadorship on January 13. He’ll move to Peru with his Peruvian-American wife and two younger children. His eldest daughter is in college in Boston.
His experience in Peru through trade missions has given him insights into the market there. His initial focus will be on commercial diplomacy: making sure American companies have opportunities in Peru. This approach aims to foster strong economic ties and mutual benefits for both nations. Recent studies show that U.S.-Peru trade relations have been growing, with a 25% increase in exports over the past three years, emphasizing the importance of Navarro’s role.
Overall, Navarro’s journey from a dreamer in Miami to an ambassador in Peru showcases the power of connections and community support. His story is a reminder that help can come from unexpected places, leading to new opportunities and brighter futures.
