Luis Vales

Vales is the founder of Industrias de Buena Voluntad, I.A.P, a Goodwill Industries agency that serves Mexico City.

Vales earned his medical degree in 1952 and has been practicing disability advocacy on a global scale ever since.After completing extensive graduate studies in Mexico, the U.S., the former Soviet Union, Germany, Denmark and England, Vales held a handful of influential positions, including President of the Mexican Society of Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation and Vice President of Rehabilitation International.He went on to serve as a consultant to the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization.Later, he became head of rehabilitation for the Mexican Social Security Institute, where he created more than 80 new physical medicine and rehabilitation services for implementation in hospitals and rehabilitation centers throughout Mexico.

Retirement 12 years ago didn't stop Vales' dedication, or his drive.As a Rotary Club volunteer in Mexico, he introduced a simplified manufacturing process for creating prosthetic devices for individuals with lower extremity amputations.To complement this mission, he established Mexico's first vocational rehabilitation center in 1992 - known as Industrias de Buena Voluntad I.A.P. (Goodwill Industries I.A.P.).The fledgling agency was well received in Mexico City, and Vales founded eight additional centers throughout his native country over the next eight years.

Vales has since engineered a partnership agreement between Rotary International and Goodwill Industries to catalyze the formation of additional vocational rehabilitation centers throughout the developing world.The goal is to create 500,000 jobs for people with disabilities worldwide.

Notably, his myriad accomplishments have been realized in spite of a host of personal health challenges.At 73, Vales continues to work 12 hours per day, without remuneration.

"A real asset to Goodwill's international growth and outreach efforts, Luis Vales' giving spirit, creativity and unwavering dedication are shining examples for Goodwill supporters around the globe," says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.