Motivational Presentation: From Gang Member to Physician. The Transformation and Cultivation of Human Potential and Purpose.
As a youth, Mr. Pacheco was involved in a life of violence which resulted in suffering and loss. He lost a full time scholarship, his best friend’s life, and even his freedom, as he eventually ended up in jail. Positive choices and a caring community allowed Mr. Pacheco gradually changed his life around. In 2013, he graduated Phi Beta Kappa, and Summa Cum Laude in Biology, Psychology, and Nursing. He is currently studying for the MCAT to enter medical school in the near future. His story-telling, lectures, keynotes, and trainings are renown nationwide.
12 reviews
Marcela A. V.
November 6, 2014I've had the honor to work with Juan over a decade ago through Barrios Unidos, in Falls Church, VA. He was and is a mentor for children as young as 5, teen agers, young adults, families and members of the divers community that makes up the D.C. Metropolitan area. He is humble with his words, and has genuine respect and love for humanity. Juan speaks from experience through pain, suffering, insecurity, laughter, acceptance and love. His story is transparent, and strengthening to all who has the privilege to hear it.
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Luis R.
October 31, 2014Juan Pacheco is a man who leads with spirit and heart. He is of the people, salt of the earth, and never forgets to give back, to teach, to show how even a troubled life can be a key material one weaves into a meaningful, significant and powerful example to the world. What he has to say comes from hard-earned experience. And his genuineness, his generosity, and deep knowledge are engaging. I recommend Juan for any event in which the goal is to change lives. He's proof of this--and he has the language, voice, and skills to demonstrate this to others. I've worked with Juan in many capacities as an urban peace leader and spiritual guide--in places as far flung as Santa Cruz, CA; Washington D.C.; Hawaii; and El Salvador. His growth in this field, as a person, has been true and straight. I trust his word and his capacity.
Luis J. Rodriguez, forty-year veteran of gang peace and youth development work, with 15 books published, and current Poet Laureate of Los Angeles.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker
Aaron V.
October 22, 2014I am grateful to have had several opportunities to hear Juan speak. I have heard him give keynotes, speak on panels, and facilitate healing circles. Our organization brought him into speak more so than any other presenter. Each time I was blown away. Juan pours all of himself into his presentations; transfixing audiences by the power of what he creatively shares and facilitates. Juan is invested in supporting young people in his community and around the world. He lives what he speaks. He "gets it," what works to support our young people, and his understanding comes through when he talks. He speaks from his soul -- connecting deeply with audience members. This moves people to listen closely, inspires them to live righteously. Juan's presentations stay with people, lives with them, long after he stops talking.
Hired as: Motivational Speaker
Aquil B.
October 10, 2014Brother Juan Pacheco is true revolutionary who has gone where there is no path and let a trail! The saying “you’re not defeated until you accept defeat as a reality” truly applies in Juan case. He represents a solidified example of manhood development and transformation. I have been in the streets which this Brother in places that very few would ever travel and he has always held his head high, kept his feet firm and stayed true to the integrity of the mission! I salute Juan for his determination, courage, discipline and standing firm as a community advocate who attempts to save lives, provide hope and transform communities for the better.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker
Vina L.
October 9, 2014Its been years since I've heard him speak but that one speech has stuck with me after all this time. He has an amazing ability with words and an ability to both reach out to young people with struggles like those he has faced, as well as across race, class and gender lines. You would not be disappointed to have the opportunity to hear this man speak.
Hired as: Leadership/Success Speaker, Motivational Speaker
Price range: Contact for rates
Languages: English , Spanish
Gig length: 60 - 120 minutes
Mr. Pacheco has invested his life working and volunteering (since 2005 Barrios Unidos East Coast has not received formal funding) as the East coast Representative for Barrios Unidos, a youth violence prevention/intervention and community awareness organization. Barrios Unidos believes that drawing upon the resources of adults and older youth that have made it out of the “street life,” youth are helped to choose life-affirming behavior, positive self-esteem, constructive goals, supportive community, and cultural pride. Mr. Pacheco worked as community Liaison for World Vision’s Community Mobilization Initiative (CMI). His role in World Vision helped the CMI Program attain the title of “Best Practices in Gang Prevention Program” highlighted in the study “Dare to Care – Community-Based Responses to Youth Gang Violence in Central America and Central American Immigrant Communities in the United States.”
Education: Currently studying to take MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), Bachelors of Science in Biology, Psychology, and Nursing (George Mason University). Associates degree in Science (Northern Virginia Community College).
Academic Awards and Recognitions: Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Golden Key International Honour Society, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society, Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, Psychology Outstanding Senior Award, The National Deans List, Phi Theta Kappa, Alumni Association of George Mason University - John C. Wood Scholarship for Academic Excellence and Community Service, Graduate of Early Identification Program (George Mason University).
Certifications and Training: 2-Day Training Core in Kingian Nonviolent Conflict Reconciliation, National Compadres Network's La Cultura Cura Transformational Health and Healing (El Circulo, The Sacred Circle, The Circle Keeper Process), National Compadres Network's El Joven Noble/The Noble Youth (A Rites of Passage Character Development Program), The Generation Waking Up Experience (Youth Adaptation of the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium), Upset the Set Up (Community Justice Network for Youth Toolkit to Juvenile Justice System Accountability, Fairfax - Falls Church Community Services Board Alcohol and Drug Services Confidentiality and Human Rights, Fairfax - Falls Church Community Services Board Alcohol and Drug Services Creating Cultures of Change: Prevention and Intervention of Violence and Aggression, Medical Health Institute Building Family Connections Instructor, World Vision's Travel/Hospitality and Concur Expense Management System, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention National Youth Gang Symposium, Certified in U.S. Army School-Age and Teen Project (Adolescent growth and development, risk and protective factors impacting youth, communication and conflict resolution skills, diversity of age, gender, culture, race, abilities, and personal styles), New York Gang Investigators Association 2nd Annual Association Gang Training Conference (It is of value to understand how law enforcement views gang prevention and intervention), New York Gang Investigators Association 2nd Annual Catskills Regional Training (It is of value to understand how law enforcement views gang prevention and intervention), 1st Tri State Gang (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut) Investigators Association Conference (It is of value to understand how law enforcement views gang prevention and intervention), New York Gang Investigators Association New York Gang Specialist (Basic), National District Attorneys Association National Gang Conference (It is of value to understand how lawyers view gang prevention and intervention), Kids at Hope University Diploma in Treasure Hunting (treasures in all our children), Northern Virginia Community College Information Technology Computer Intern Program.
Service Awards and Recognitions: Hispanic Committee of Virginia Martha Wyatt Award, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. "Keeping the Promise/Uniting Cultures" Award, One Common Unity Common Folk Award, Best of Reston Award for Community Service, George Mason University's Vision Award for Social Justice, World Vision's Certificate of Excellence for Community Mobilization Initiative (Gang Prevention and Intervention), received title of “Best Practices in Gang Prevention Program” highlighted in the Washington Office on Latin America's study “Dare to Care – Community-Based Responses to Youth Gang Violence in Central America and Central American Immigrant Communities in the United States”, Blessed are the Peacemakers Award, Department of Criminal justice Services Certificate of Appreciation for contributions at the Reflections and Visions in Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Conference, Reston Community Center's Outstanding Volunteers Services Award, Lock Haven University "Un Dia de Unidad" Certificate of Appreciation, Community Anti-Drug Coalition of America certificate of Appreciation, Fairfax County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court Certificate of Appreciation, Northern Virginia Turn off the Violence Certificate of Appreciation, Maryland Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development Program Certificate of Appreciation, The 31st District Court Services Unit Certificate of Appreciation, Fairfax County Public Schools Reston Coalition Certificate of Appreciation.
Tuesday
School Assembly
11:30am - 1:00pm
•
Alexandria, VA
Need wireless, hands-free microphone, projector with sound, and three chairs on stage.
Motivational Speaker