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Dedman College of Humanities and Sciences

Texan of the Year finalist: Jorge Baldor’s quiet philanthropy helps transform Dallas

Dallas Morning News

Originally Posted: December 20, 2017

Jorge Baldor is a Dedman College Executive Board Member

Think Dallas philanthropist and the image of a well-heeled Texan with gray hair and designer boots comes to mind, the kind of donor who gives enough to see the family name on a building.

But you won’t see the name Jorge Baldor carved in stone. His substantial donations go to efficient and agile startup charities and grass-roots empowerment projects that change the way things work in this town, but hardly gain him much fame.

“There are enough people in the spotlight,” Cuban-born Baldor said. “The reality is no one does it by themselves.”

In this quiet way, Baldor’s efforts have boosted Hispanic business leaders, made the Dallas arts community more successful than ever, and are changing the face of a neighborhood. He takes a hands-on approach to his projects, providing recipients with opportunities to live their dreams. For his uncommon impact, Baldor is a finalist for the 15th annual Dallas Morning News Texan of the Year.

Jorge Baldor, founder of Mercado Artesanal, in front of<i> Libelula,</i> a sculpture by Oaxacan artist Fernando Andriacci. Baldor, who was born in Cuba but raised in Oak Cliff, opened the gallery to provide a unique cultural experience by featuring handcrafted works from Latin America.&nbsp;(Jeffrey McWhorter/Special Contributor)
Jorge Baldor, founder of Mercado Artesanal, in front of Libelula, a sculpture by Oaxacan artist Fernando Andriacci. Baldor, who was born in Cuba but raised in Oak Cliff, opened the gallery to provide a unique cultural experience by featuring handcrafted works from Latin America.
(Jeffrey McWhorter/Special Contributor)

Baldor, 62, graduated from Southern Methodist University and got his start in business running background checks for landlords. This made him financially comfortable. So he turned his attention to opening doors and opportunities to other Latinos. In 2015, he co-founded the Latino Center for Leadership Development to cultivate a new generation of Hispanic political leaders. READ MORE