Biography

Eloy G. Cepero

Eloy Cepero was born in Bahia Honda, Cuba, in 1945. He has lived in Miami, Florida, since 1962. Left Cuba through “Operation Peter Pan”. Attended Coral Gables Senior High School, the University of Miami, and graduated from UM with a (Bachelor) in Finance, Economy, and Latinamerican Studies (1969). Also, did postgraduate studies in Finance at FIU (1976). Later served in the Navy from 1969 to 1971.

He is a co-founder and executive vice-president of Peninsula Mortgage Bankers Corporation, that was established in 1981. Peninsula Mortgage Bankers Corporation was one of the largest mortgage banks for latinos in United States.

During his (extensive) career at the bank, he worked at different executive positions for different financial institutions such as, Southeast Bank, Sunbank, Bank Boston Mortgage Company and others. Was the first president and co-founder of the Metropolitan Federal Savings and Loan Association in Hialeah, Florida, helping in the organization and the selection of their main office.

Since his graduation in 1971, he has been studying the Cuban History, their culture and music. Eloy has given lectures and seminars; performed in radio, TV programs and documentaries; published different articles about this topic. He is an avid collector of Cuban music, postcards and, owns one of the largest “private collections” in the United States. This collection included more that 10000 LPs Vinyl discs, CD’s and video cassettes in total.

Eloy published three books: “Cuba: Un viaje a través de postales”, which has become a “bestseller book”, and his Memoirs. Recently, was awarded with “Leslie Pantin” Award for his contributions to his local community. In the year 2004 was selected to the Coral Gables High School and the Cuban Sports Hall of Fame in the category of college athletics.

Since his youth, he has been participating and cooperating with different civics and cultural organizations in his local community. Nowadays, he is the former president of the Latin Builders, co-founder and Chairman Emeritus of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of South Florida in South Beach. He is the director of the Cuban-American National Foundation, Cuban Cultural Heritage, and the Alfalit International, which has his headquarter in Miami and is dedicated to teach people how to read in Latin America and Africa. Also, he is the president of the Cuban Cultural Heritage Foundation in Miami.