By: Edwin Martinez

As the President of the Pucho Augustin Olivencia Center, Wilmer Olivencia is focused on serving as a voice and advocate for individuals and families in need of support during difficult times. Because of his background and own experiences, he is able to serve as a voice for the Latino community while creating understanding and awareness among multiple audiences. “It’s important for people to know that Pucho, Inc. serves people of all backgrounds and the impact that it can have on these individuals. I am a product of Pucho, Inc. Because of the support I received here, I was able to succeed. There are so many people with great potential, and we have the power to help them reach that potential, with the support of the community,” said Wilmer during an interview about his role at the Pucho Olivencia Community Center and in the community.

With more than 20 years of experience in the human services and community organizing field, Wilmer is able to provide a wealth of knowledge on the programs and strategies that benefit our clients and the entire community. His extensive background includes work in the fields of: Community organizing, governmental administration, not –for- profit management and employment/training services. Through Pucho, Inc., Wilmer substantially increased services to the community via the Three Kings day celebration, the Grease Pole Festival and numerous other cultural event which have succeeded in increasing community pride and preserving the  Hispanic culture of Buffalo’s Latino community.

As the former Deputy City Clerk Wilmer sought to increase openness in government and increasing access to government for Buffalo’s Hispanic Community.

Wilmer is lifelong resident of Buffalo New York. The oldest child of Wilmer & Elsy Olivencia and Grandson to the Late Agustin “Pucho “ Olivencia & Carmen Olivencia. Wilmer had the pleasure of growing up in the Eastside of Buffalo on the famous Swan St and Myrtle neighborhood. A neighborhood, that first welcomed many Hispanic families upon arriving to the city of Buffalo. He moved to the Westside at an early age and had the best of the both worlds. He attended St. Columba grammar school, McKinley Vocational High School & Erie Community College where he majored in Criminal Justice.

Wilmer currently serves as the Program Coordinator of the Anti-Graffiti-& Clean City Program for the City of Buffalo. In this recent appointment by Mayor Byron W. Brown he is responsible enhancing the quality of life and leading the fight against graffiti and blight by working collaboratively with all city departments, community groups and businesses. Under his leadership the City of Buffalo was able to remove 2235 pieces of graffiti. He also played a major role in coordinating snow removal for over 1000 Senior and disabled city residents during this most recent winter that we are still experiencing.

Wilmer is happily married to his beautiful wife Wanda and lives in the Niagara District with their 3 awesome children: Jasmine 21, Kayla 19 & Michael 18. He is enjoys camping, vacationing in the Caribbean and hosting events at Puchos Social Club.