Wilford was born a Mexican citizen in Chihuahua, Mexico. He moved to Mexico City where he
completed high school. At the age of twenty one he moved to the United States on a student
visa. He applied for residency and upon graduating in Spanish and Physical Education received
his permanent residency. Three years later, US citizenship was granted.
While working as an educator he completed graduate degrees at the University of Kentucky and
National Louis University. While serving as Principal of West Leyden High School the Leyden
School District 212 was named the AP small school district of the year by the AP Board. While
at Leyden he worked with a student body that were mainly immigrants or children of immigrants.
He led student service trips to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico where the students had the opportunity to
work in orphanages and schools for special needs students.
Today, he lives with his wife Leslie and loves to travel, participate in sports and serve in the
community.
