Javier Calleja’s journey is a testament to the American Dream, embodying the spirit of perseverance and hard work. Born in humble beginnings, Javier’s life is a powerful narrative of overcoming adversity and achieving success through dedication and determination. Now, he is running for Harrisonburg City Council, bringing his unique story and perspective to the political arena. 

Javier was born to a young mother in Uruguay and faced significant hardships from an early age. His biological father, a Navy man, passed away when Javier was just eight months old. His mother remarried, but tragedy struck again when his stepfather was killed in an accident caused by a drunk driver. This left Javier‘s family in extreme poverty, and his mother struggled to find work. They had to move to more affordable yet unsafe areas during this time. Javier’s early understanding of hardship and survival would shape the next two decades of his young life. 

At the age of 14, Javier faced a life-threatening brain stroke, spending 22 days in the ICU and taking nearly a year to recover. Despite these challenges, he completed his education, realizing that opportunities for the younger generation in Uruguay were scarce. At 18, he bravely decided to move to the United States for a better life, arriving with just $247 in his pocket and no knowledge of English. 

Javier’s early days in the U.S. were marked by extreme poverty and homelessness. He spent nights in a plaza, ate from dumpsters, and even slept in a treehouse and a car. Despite these challenges, he learned English within six months by using bilingual books and practicing with colleagues. Javier worked various jobs, including as a janitor and in the fast food, while putting himself through college. His determination paid off as he advanced in his career and eventually became a manager. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Education with a minor in Business Administration from Eastern Mennonite University.