About Juan

I was born in Springfield, MA.  My parents (Juan & Myrna), like many Hispanic families living in Springfield, grew up in both New York City and Puerto Rico.  We first lived in an apartment on School Street.  In 1988, they purchased their first home on Ellsworth Avenue in East Forest Park. 

I am a proud product of the Springfield Public Schools System.  I attended Alice B. Beal Elementary, Chestnut Middle School, and Central High School, graduating in 2003.  Receiving a quality education in a diverse school system has made me who I am today, and is part of what drives me to give all I can to Springfield.

During High School, after earning the support of the staff of the Forest Park Library where I used to volunteer before Boy Scout Meetings, I became the first Page at the new East Forest Park Library (then in the Brooks Plaza.)  I also worked at Stop & Shop in East Longmeadow, and in the summers worked as a tutor at Sumner Avenue Elementary School.  I’m no stranger to hard work!

After High School, I studied at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, earning a degree in Computer Systems Engineering in 2007.  I also hold a Master’s Degree from Western New England University, received in 2011.  In 2013, I purchased my first home in Sixteen Acres, where I live today.

My first job out of college was in software development for the Fender Music Corporation.   For the last 10 years I have worked in the telecommunications industry as a radio frequency engineer designing wireless networks.  My work includes providing expert testimony to municipalities across New England.  My professional experiences have prepared me to take a goal-oriented, leave-no-stone-unturned approach to supporting Springfield.

I have been a volunteer Boy Scout Leader for 15 years, serving the Greater Forest Park Community.  I know that the investment of our time and energy into Springfield’s youth is the best investment we can make, and as your City Councilor, I will always prioritize efforts to create opportunities for our youth. 

From 2014-2017, I served as a member and chair of the City Council Young Professional Committee.  My appointment provided first hand insight on the work required to advance legislation and ideas in the City.  Our achievements included passing of the Mobile Food Truck Ordinance, the introduction of modern metered parking payment options, an updated City Website, and businesses and schools adopting first-time home buyers’ incentives.

The YP Committee’s proudest achievement is Springfield Restaurant Week.  Since 2016, in coordination with the Business Improvement District, Restaurant Week has brought significant investment to our restaurants and created a best-in-state dining event.  What was once limited to Downtown, Restaurant Week celebrated its’ 5th anniversary in 2019 with more than 40 restaurants across every neighborhood in the City.  If elected, business owners in Springfield will have a strong voice at the table. 

I serve on the Executive Board of the Boy Scouts of America of Western Massachusetts, focusing on communications, fundraising, and alumni relations.  I also volunteer as a reader for Link to Libraries, a server at Friends of the Homeless, and have coordinated food drives for the Salvation Army of Greater Springfield.

I am a parishioner at Holy Cross Church and a proud Godfather. 

I am a product of my experiences, my upbringing, and my work ethic.  As your next City Councilor, I will use every experience I have had to work for the best interests of our city.