Roy Juarez, Jr. – My Bag, My Home

Tuesday, July 10, 2018
2:00 pm
Grand Ballroom

Juarez’s story and work have garnered national media attention on outlets such as CNN and Chicken Soup for the Soul. Most recently, Juarez was able to partner with Ford Motor Company Fund in their Ford Driving Dreams Tour to inspire students to graduate on time and pursue a higher education. In addition, Juarez’ has been reported by many local and online publications.

Born and raised on the south side of San Antonio, Texas, Juarez faced situations and obstacles that could have turned him into a negative statistic. But he found a way to overcome those challenges. At the age of fourteen, Juarez was a high school drop-out and one of the hundreds of homeless youth on the streets of San Antonio. He carried with him only a duffle bag of personal items that he called a home. He moved from house to house to survive. Despite all that was working against him, he knew there was more to life which is why he never lost sight of his dreams.

As a young entrepreneur, Juarez has made a successful career lecturing to thousands, both nationally and internationally. Once a homeless teenager, Juarez fought the battle to leave the streets only to return to them after becoming a graduate of Hardin-Simmons University. In May 2012 Juarez completed his first national tour; The Homeless by Choice Tour. What began as a 6-month journey, driving from Los Angeles, CA to Jacksonville, FL became a two-and-a-half-year journey. Juarez circled the entire country with a goal to inspire America’s youths to never give up on life, their dreams, and understand the value of a higher education. Juarez spoke “pro-bono” to over 500 educational facilities, shelters, organizations, and companies. With no grants or sponsors to help fund his tour, Juarez decided to live homeless once again but time he was “Homeless by Choice”! As he couch surfed” the country he was able to share his message with over 100,000 individuals.

Today, Juarez has shared his message with over 350,000 and serves as a role model for individuals through his work as an advocate for youths and higher education. His life experience inspires them to forgive, chase their dreams, and be the change they wish to see!