About

From his early years in his birthplace, Rigo Chacon has always been able to convey a message eloquently and emotionally. In Janos, Chihuahua, Mexico, Rigo was frequently called upon to do “recitaciones” for special occasions. He knew how to recite prose or poetry for Mother’s Day, Teacher’s Day, patriotic days and many more. Rigo’s love of the expressed word stayed with him as he moved to El Paso, Texas as an eight year old along with his parents and seven siblings. At Lone Star School in the small community of Canutillo, Texas, his oratory eventually involved two languages and soon after the family moved to follow the crops in California, Rigo entered competitive events in public speaking. Beginning with his freshman year in high school, he became known as the guy to beat in a succession of speech tournaments that spanned four years.

After attending San Jose State University, Rigo went into broadcasting at the age of twenty four. His first job as a reporter at San Jose’s KNTV, an ABC affiliate. That led to an Emmy Award that got him a job at San Fracisco’s KGO, an owned and operated by ABC New York. Almost immediately after being hired by KGO, Rigo opened the first Silicon Valley Bureau of a San Francisco based television station.

Rigo covered hundreds of stories that led to two more Emmy Awards including the Governor’s award, so called because it is awarded only if ninety percent (90%) of the governors on the Northern California NATAS agree. (National Association of Television Arts and Sciences.

In 1990, Rigo established his own non-profit agency, an entity called Abrazos and Books. (A&B) A&B has awarded literally hundreds of scholarships to Santa Clara County students who represent the ethnic tapestry of Silicon Valley. A&B also supports entities that address the needs of children who are poverty stricken, disabled or who are victims of natural catastrophes. Many of the moving elements in Rigo’s presentations come from astounding stories of the young people he helps. (“Abrazos” means “embraces”)

Child farm worker, student leader, community leader, journalist or YOUR NEXT SPEAKER, Rigo is always ready to take on a variety of challenges.