Juan Paulo Palacios
JP Palacios is a junior attending Grand Valley State University
pursuing a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering with a Mathematics
minor. He is a current student worker at Lab Support in the Kennedy
Building. He graduated from City High Middle School in 2018.
His life-long dream is to work in the emerging space industry with a
focus primarily on software development and robotics. JP challenges
himself academically by expanding his knowledge of mathematics and
physics. During his free time, JP enjoys all things science fiction,
politics, and the arts. He also attends Grand Valley’s Astronomy Club
throughout the year.
During his time in high school, JP partook in various community
service projects aimed at improving his local neighborhood with the
Hispanic Center of West Michigan. He is an advocate for change on many
issues. His activism has taken him across the Midwest and the nation’s
capital in support of immigration reform - especially around the DACA
Program. He follows in the footsteps of his mentors in the fight for
representation of the disenfranchised. In 2018, JP was awarded the
Youth Award from the Committee to Honor Cesar E. Chavez for his
efforts in advocacy.
JP has found appreciation for the great outdoors throughout much of
his life and enjoys identifying the local flora and fauna. Often, he
draws inspiration from nature to explore his art hobbies. JP dedicated
his first year at the Cook Leadership Academy in the pursuit of
self-understanding. This year, he will take on the role of
facilitating honest and reflective conversation as a Lead Fellow. He
is thrilled to continue his leadership journey with the Hauenstein
Center.
