About This Episode
Season 5. Episode 17.
In this episode of Education Insight, we are joined by Roy Juarez, an award-winning speaker, activist, entrepreneur, and the founder of a unique leadership program that is making waves in California schools. Roy discusses the creation and mission behind his program, which focuses on empowering students, particularly those who have previously been overlooked as potential leaders.
Roy talks about the core values of his program and what he believes are the most important qualities young people need to develop in order to become effective leaders. He also shares how his program, which includes 12 modules, helps students learn and grow through a combination of real-world experiences and personal reflection. One of the most unique aspects of the program is the involvement of prominent speakers—ranging from actors and athletes to authors and musicians—who mentor and motivate students, offering invaluable guidance and inspiration.
In addition to leadership development, Roy’s program offers students the chance to author and publish their own books, an achievement that not only builds their confidence but also gives them a tangible reminder of their accomplishments. Roy reflects on how this initiative helps students leave high school not only with leadership skills but also with the pride of becoming published authors.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in leadership development, mentorship, and how programs like Roy’s are transforming the lives of students across California. Tune in to hear about the powerful ways leadership, self-confidence, and personal growth are being cultivated in young people who are poised to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Featured Guest
Roy Juarez, Jr.
Biography
Roy Juarez Jr. founded the human development company IMPACTtruth, Inc. in 2005 with a dream to inspire youth and reunite families by sharing his turbulent yet inspirational life story.
Juarez has partnered with national organizations such as the U.S. ARMY, Ford Motor Company Fund, and the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute to inspire thousands of individuals across the United States and abroad. His work has garnered national media attention on CNN, Chicken Soup for the Soul, and many local and online publications.
In 2018, Juarez published his highly anticipated book, Homeless by Choice: A Memoir of Love, Hate, and Forgiveness. This riveting memoir journeys through Roy’s decision to live homeless again, but this time, Homeless by Choice. His mission was to inspire youth to never give up on life and their dreams and for them to understand the power of higher education.
Juarez’s story began on the Southside of San Antonio, Texas, where he faced dangerous situations and obstacles that could have turned him into a negative statistic. At the age of fourteen, due to domestic violence, Juarez became a high school dropout and one of the hundreds of homeless youth on the streets of San Antonio. Carrying with him only a duffle bag of personal items that he called home, Juarez moved from house to house to survive. However, thanks to the mentors and educators who noticed the invisible student along the way, Juarez was able to return to high school as a third-year freshman, graduating in 2000. He then went on to study Business Administration at Hardin-Simmons University and graduated in 2009.
Juarez fought the battle to leave the streets only to return to them as an activist after finishing college. Through his work, Juarez has shared his message with over one million in 48 states and seven countries.
View our podcast page for more stories like this: https://inlandempiregia.org/gia-podcasts/
Education Insight tells the story of education in the Inland Empire through the diverse voices of those in and around the regional education community. The show is produced by Growing Inland Achievement, a collective impact organization in the Inland Empire with a mission to increase economic prosperity in the region by increasing educational attainment. Hosted by 30-year broadcast veteran Lacey Kendall, monthly shows explore topics ranging from education challenges and shortcomings to innovations and groundbreaking ideas that are driving student success.