Long before the public launch of the Buffalo Bayou East Master Plan (link), BBP has been active in neighborhoods east of downtown, engaging with community leaders and learning about how amenities such as trails and green space can serve neighborhood residents. Now, we are delighted to announce the hiring of Juan Antonio Sorto as BBP’s new full-time Community Engagement Manager.
Named “Houstonian of the Year” by the Houston Chronicle in 2013, Juan holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston and a master’s degree from Texas Southern University. Currently, he is a doctoral candidate in Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. Juan chairs the Houston Super Neighborhood Alliance and has volunteered with Houston Independent School District and Star of Hope. Much of his career has been spent as a community supervision officer at Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department. Juan has received numerous recognitions including a Shell Hurricane Harvey Heroes Award, a George and Barbara Bush Points of Light Award, a Houston Dynamo Charities Award, and TEA Heroes for Children Award. He contributes regularly to the Rice University Kinder Institute’s “Urban Edge” and other publications. December 15, 2020 was proclaimed by the City of Houston as Juan Antonio Sorto Day. See a special profile of Juan here.
At BBP, Juan will build and maintain relationships in neighborhoods along Buffalo Bayou, represent Buffalo Bayou Partnership in the community, and ensure that area residents have a voice in Buffalo Bayou East programs and initiatives.