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Born and raised in the salsa-popping streets of Cali, Colombia, Juan Pablo Vásquez Varela (he / him / el) has over a decade of experience as a teacher and leader in education across North and South America. Shifting through the expanded learning space into traditional school settings and the nonprofit world, Juan has always brought a creative approach to his work, consistently placing learners at the forefront. 

In his experience, Juan has focused on elevating curricular representation through counter-narratives, project-based learning, and student-centered pedagogy. He's been responsible for leading cross-cultural teams and overseeing the development, execution, and assessment of education initiatives focused on enhancing students' academic success. 

Juan is a visionary thinker who firmly believes education is the most powerful instrument for advancing and achieving equity. His practice is deeply rooted in liberation, love, and learning, reflecting his unwavering commitment to this belief. He holds a M.Ed. with a concentration in curriculum and instruction from Trinity Washington University. 

Off the clock, Juan is an avid concertgoer, reader, and sports and music enthusiast. He also volunteers at Defy Ventures, an organization that supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated humans. However, his favorite thing to do is to spend time with his wife, Sera, and two rowdy chihuahuas, Chula and Lala. Juan and Sera are both lovers of fashion and self-expression. This passion led them to found The Thrift Bus, a Los Angeles-based mobile second-hand store.

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