Today we’d like to introduce you to Julius Alejandro.
Julius, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I got involved with Startup San Diego three years ago when I attended their community launch event. I’m not sure how, but I ended up in their listserv about the event and decided to check it out. Mind you, my background is in community organizing and the nonprofit sector, and had little knowledge of startups.
But the organization and people were very welcoming. I’ve done large scale event organizing, but not in tech or Downtown San Diego, so I took the opportunity to help with Startup Week and Convergence. Then I became the point of contact with the universities and colleges regarding activities with Startup San Diego. It was this year when I decided to take the role of Director of Convergence – our student/early-stage focused conference and build the pathway from the universities to the startup ecosystem.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I wish it was smooth. So, I want to break it down into two parts. The first is the technical aspects in terms of logistics and planning. The event will be in the fall of 2020, so there is plenty of time to prepare. I’m happy the relationship is there with both students and staff at the different universities to do collaborative events and build this pathway that is mutually beneficial.
The second part is being comfortable as a person of color (Filipino decent) in a leadership role with a majority white audience in the Startup ecosystem. Especially also being a community organizer for communities of color. I’m having to navigate different spaces and code switching. The challenge is owning my role as a benefit to bring diversity in the room and fostering an inclusive environment where voices will be heard and respected.
We’d love to hear more about your organization.
Startup San Diego a nonprofit 501(c)(3) entity is a local, grassroots, volunteer-based group of entrepreneurs, mentors, and investors who have created a simple platform to grow the greater San Diego startup community. The mission is to support individuals building startups in San Diego to represent the interests of entrepreneurs, celebrate successes, and foster a cohesive and collaborative community.
I’m proud of my fellow volunteers because we put in so much work putting hours of our valuable time into creating and uplifting the entrepreneur community. We host the two events that focus on students, entrepreneurs, and investors in tech.
What were you like growing up?
I was raised in National City and exposed to socio-economic inequalities with immigrant parents that brought conflict between the collective Filipino values versus western individualism. Also, I have Polio on my left leg and was treated as someone who was physically weak growing up. I’m proud to say, I have broken that mindset down because I’m able jog long distance, lift weights, and take boxing class. Despite a hard upbringing, I decide to be positive in my mindset and action. The world is rough already, I was taught to make it better.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://startupsd.org
- Phone: 619-363-1976
- Email: julius@startupsd.org
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/startupsandiego
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartupSD
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/startupsandiego
Image Credit:
Operation Samahan
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