Meet Bold Idea Mentor Juan

Meet Juan Perez, a system analyst, custom shoe artist, and Bold Idea mentor. Learn how playing video games at a young age led to an interest in programming and a career at the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.

What is something many people don’t know about you?
I help out with an annual event called Young Achievers Forum that takes place at the University of Texas at El Paso and at New Mexico State University. This event gives 1,000 middle school students a college day experience to learn about post-secondary education. I also have a side business as a Shoe Custom Artist. I specialize in customizing footwear such as sneakers, baseball cleats, and football cleats.

How did you become interested in technology and programming?
At first I got into technology because of video games. I played video games so much that I started to become interested in learning how to make video games. I found that learning how to program was the path I needed to take to learn how to develop video games.

What did you study in college?
I studied Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

What are you working on now?
I’m a System Analyst at the Dallas Federal Reserve Bank and in my spare time I am a Shoe Custom Artist.

What have you gained from being a mentor?
I get great satisfaction from helping young students develop a new skill that will help them think about their future plans, their education, and career development.

What was your most memorable moment while mentoring?
When I saw kids come into the classroom very excited because they wanted to work on the next lesson and they couldn’t wait to continue their programming project. This showed me that Bold Idea gives students an opportunity to enjoy learning new things and make a difference in their education.

Is there anything that you wish you could tell your younger self about coding?
I should’ve joined coding summer camps and always practiced coding as much as possible.

What is it about Bold Idea’s mission that really connects with you?
Our Mission - Bold Idea develops and empowers young minds to execute bold ideas as a team through the power of technology. Empowering the minds of young kids. I want kids to have confidence to learn new things. I’m all for educating the kids because they are the future, and I would like to help be a part of guiding them to the right path towards success and accomplishing great things.