January 13, 2017 | Manny V. Martinez Roy Juarez, Jr. is the president and owner for IMPACTtruth, an organization that helps to rekindle dreams in future leaders by providing inspirational workshops, speeches and mentorship opportunities for youth challenged by poverty, crime, discrimination or disability. Born and raised on the South Side of San Antonio, Roy Juarez, Jr. faced many challenges as a child. At one point, due to domestic violence, he dropped out of high school and became homeless. He recalls a time when he worked at a local restaurant (currently Tink-a-Taco) to earn money for classes at Northwest Vista College. “The family who owned the restaurant where I worked allowed me to eat for free every day, even on my days off from work. That business invested in me and my future.” These positive experiences, in spite of challenges, helped Roy find the strength to pursue education and earn a bachelor’s degree. His stories have also enriched and empowered others to action. Since 2010, Roy’s company has reached out to over 350,000 youth throughout the country. Roy has personally traveled and worked with youth in 42 states and six countries, sharing his message of hope, courage and perseverance. Roy says college education changed his life. “Education has given me freedom, and I feel I need to share this knowledge with as many people as possible.”
