With over 12 years of experience in community building and relationship strengthening, Juan Vargas is dedicated to elevating diverse communities through education and strategic partnerships. His career began in the banking and financial sector, where he excelled in bridging the gap between businesses and the communities they serve. Working with institutions such as Citi Bank, American Express, and Stanford Federal Credit Union, Juan focused on developing initiatives that supported both the financial growth of members and the success of the businesses.

As a first-generation professional who is bilingual, with Spanish as his first language, Juan has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by underserved communities. This personal connection inspired him to specialize in democratizing financial information, ensuring that everyone, regardless of background, has access to the tools and resources needed to thrive.

Juan’s commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is evident in his impactful work with Stanford University, where he helped develop and partnered in the creation of their first accredited financial literacy course aimed at supporting all students in need of financial literacy information, including international students and those from diverse backgrounds.

Recognizing the importance of inclusion within organizations, Juan pursued a certification in DEI from the University of South Florida. This expertise empowers him to create organizational structures around DEI that drive real change. Now in the tourism industry, Juan is committed to making a lasting impact by reshaping how people connect with and understand those from different backgrounds.

Juan stays at the forefront of DEI trends and best practices through continuous learning and active engagement with thought leaders and communities. His advisory approach is both innovative and grounded in real-world experiences, helping organizations build more inclusive environments that benefit their employees and the broader community.