Juan Taveras Question Número Dos

StartingBloc Fellowship App

Institute for Social Innovation NY’13

JoyProfessional Experience

Authenticity

FunUnique

Perspective

How will I contribute to the diverse StartingBloc

community?

How will I contribute JOY you

ask?

A college advisor of mine used to say, “Enthusiasm breeds

enthusiasm,” and I’ve never forgotten it. I’ve been told that I

have the ability to see the positive side to everything, and essentially that’s what I’ll bring

to the table. I will share my positive mindset with the

StartingBloc community to impact its culture and help its

members view every challenge as an opportunity.

Fun!

I like the statement: Work hard but don’t take yourself too

seriously. I like it because it does not discount the fact that work is sometimes hard (most things that are worth doing are hard), but it does not mean that we can’t have fun while doing it. Keeping fun in the mix makes us more productive and more likely

to continue the work we are doing.

I won’t forget the fun!

Authenticity

Be authentic. We find fulfillment in being true to ourselves. When we stop trying to be something we are not, we are free to focus on what matters most to us. I try to live my life by this notion and hope my example has led others

to do the same. I want to be a part of the StartingBloc community to join in the

celebration of true individualism! It is in this setting that new ideas

are born.

My professional experience

I have had a very diverse career thus far. It spans from working in

hospitality, food service and retail, to managing a limo

business to currently working with a nonprofit (and by nature,

one wears many hats at a nonprofit!). All of this experience

has made me a well rounded team player. Some might

consider me a jack of all trades; I consider myself the master of a

diverse skill set prime with entrepreneurial possibility.

Cultural Perspective

My family immigrated from the Dominican Republic when I was young but my roots have never

left me. The values of my upbringing and the reality of my circumstances taught me that,

without a solid education and an uncompromising work ethic, my

dreams would remain improbabilities. Due to my

experiences, I can relate to those that have struggled in similar

ways and relay these experiences to those who have not.

In conclusion, I have a lot to offer the StartingBloc community. From my work experience, the unique way that I

view the world and (most importantly) my infectious joy. I promise to give the StartingBloc community as much, if not more, than I receive from it and hope to welcome it into my

hometown next summer!