Beyond the Title is a series of Q&As with alumni of Madison365’s Most Influential lists.
Patrick Chaves (Wisconsin’s Most Influential Latino Leaders, 2025) is founder and executive director of Buena Tierra Run Club, a Latino-influenced group created to inspire the community to put their health and wellness first. He is also the regional engagement coordinator for Milwaukee County Parks. He serves a liaison between community members of southern Milwaukee County and the Parks Department, coordinating alliances, partners, stakeholders, and volunteers.
What does presence before performance mean to you – and how do you stay grounded when the pressure to perform is high?
Presence before performance means to be authentic. When people are being performative, it can often be taken as not being authentically you. Be present, be yourself, don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. If you are yourself, you are grounded and you will not feel the pressure at all.
What’s the best advice you’ve received from a mentor?
Always make your bed. It is this simple morning practice that sets the tone for your whole day. It starts the routine and keeps things calm and in order. When you don’t make the bed, you are most likely rushing and time is thrown off. Make the time to make the bed. Be mindful of your day.
Tell us about a time you had to lead before there was consensus – when you were the only one who saw it, believed it or were willing to act. What gave you the courage to move anyway?
The time I had to lead on something was when we created the Latino-based run club, Buena Tierra. I saw there was a gap, I believe we can run and we needed a space to do so. The courage came from seeing others that look like me, cheering me on during the Chicago Marathon 2023, through Pilsen. I saw the impact Latino run clubs were having in a Latino base neighborhood and I thought, “why can’t we have one too?” The courage was just being shown an example.
What’s one question every new leader should ask during their first 100 days and why?
What is our why? What is our reasoning? What is our impact?
Who’s in your “corner” – that voice of wisdom you trust when things get tough? How do you build and protect that circle?
Firstly; My wife, my best friend, my everything. Mylah Rice. Without her, a lot of BTRC would not be where it is today. Thankfully we have some great co-founders and co-caps within our circle. Carter, Ana, Arturo, Zeci, Mike, and Jesus. We are all like-minded in how we move and create the culture of what BTRC is today. We want people to be inspired and chase goals. We don’t do it for ourselves, we do it for others. We have ideas but we also act on them and see them through. That is how we build and protect our circle, by continuing to have like-minded people that are not selfish, that are not in it for the money and fame and who show up.
Leadership can be exhausting. What practices or boundaries help you avoid burnout and stay aligned with your purpose?
I set a time where I don’t answer calls, texts or emails that are work related. Typically after 6pm. I try to make post 6pm my personal life time with my wife and dogs. I set our dates in advance to go and enjoy something, a movie or good meal. That way I have something to look forward to that is also my set break and time away from work.
Clout fades. Calling lasts. How do you stay anchored in impact over recognition?
If you’re in it for the clout, then you’re doing it all wrong. BTRC works because we are impacting lives and not seeking anything in return. It is not hard to be anchored in impact if that is the only goal you have. Once you lose that feeling or results of impact, you have to ask yourself and remind yourself of why we started all of this in the first place.
What’s a leadership value you refuse to compromise even when its inconvenient?
Adapt and pivot. You have to be able to handle what life throws at you as a leader, if you can’t, then it’s going to be a rough experience. Secondly, listen. It’s important to listen to the folks you are working with or impacting. It’s not always about what you think you should be doing, it is about what the people need and want. Sometimes we may be missing something crucial because we’re going going going. Stop and listen to people.
What book, quote, lyric or even scripture captures how you lead or how you live?
Romans 8:31- If God is with us, who could be against us? – This is tatted on me as a reminder to live life fearlessly, boldly and confidently. I don’t approach many things scared because I have to trust all is for a reason and I will be taken care of. If for any reason things are not okay, it is a lesson to learn from.
When life gets heavy or leadership feels overwhelming, what’s something you turn to: music, travel or cultural connection that helps you feel like yourself again?
This will be funny to say since all we do is run at run club, but honestly, I run. It helps me ground myself and reset my mind. It’s where I come up with more ideas. I also like to lift and workout in general. I equally love a good dark room with low amber light and lofi music or NPR Tiny Desk videos too. It just depends on what kind of exhaustion I am feeling.
Who is your favorite sports team?
I am not a diehard fan of any sport but here are my choices: Football-Packers/Saints, Soccer- MN United/ Costa Rica National team, Basketball- Bucks, Baseball- MN Twins, F1 racing- Lewis Hamilton, Hockey- MN Wild
What is your favorite holiday and why?
Christmas. I have the best core memories from Christmas time, it’s beautiful with decorations of lights and in big cities like Chicago and NY, it is the one time we all feel like we’re one. Plus family time!
