Donnie

smiling at you with the mountains of North Carolina behind my back

Known for a grounded, human-centered approach to growth and meaning, Donnie Don Juan draws insight from science, lived experience, stories, reflection, and honest conversation to help others navigate this journey we call life. His work explores what it means to live fully—not perfectly—amid life’s many twists, turns, and seasons.

Born and raised in Midland, Texas, Donnie’s journey has been shaped by a lifelong commitment to personal growth. He has served as the Executive Director of a nonprofit and as a youth pastor, designing adventure-based and community-driven programs that helped hundreds of young people build confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Committed to practicing what he teaches, Donnie completed an Ironman in 2025—an experience that reinforced his belief that life is an endurance race requiring discipline, faith, and perseverance. Today, he shares what he continues to learn in service of those seeking a more meaningful, peaceful, and fulfilling life—grounded in science, tested in real life, and open to something greater.

happy baby smiling

Happy Birthday,
February 1996

Born an only child.

Senior Class President.

5’ 4” Varsity Basketball Player.

Petitioned my school district. 

Avid watcher of Power Rangers.

United States naval academy dress whites plebe smiling

Naval Academy,
July 2014

Played Division III basketball.

Naval Academy Prep. School. 

United States Naval Academy. 

Solo sky-dived and almost died! 

Epic spring break trip to Florida!

New Mexico State university graduation picture, happy, joy-filled and excited

NMSU,
January 2016

New Mexico State University.

Completed first sprint triathlon.

Payed for entire schooling, zero debt!

At-risk youth intern every summer.

Ran or biked to school and work for fun!

holding 145,000 dollar grant check for nonprofit

Be The Change,
June 2019

Be The Change, Executive Director.

1000+ students and multiple campuses.

145k grant recipient (which I wrote).

Attended Austin City Limits!

Chocolate lover.

praying, fellowship, and community holding hands together

Opportunity Tribe, November 2022

Youth Pastor!

Summer camps director.

Small groups organizer. 

Served youth, families, people of all kind. 

20 mile hike to highest peak in NM!

Favorite beer: Elephants on parade. 

joy and accomplishment at the finish line of an iron

Vision Quest,
August 2025

Fundraising campaign.

Ironman adventure.

Healed past trauma.

Broke generational curses.

Trekkie. 

Credentials

  • B.A. in Philosophy, Minor in Kinesiology, New Mexico State University
  • 10+ years of experience in adventure-based learning, youth development, and community-building
  • Curriculum designer and leader for multi-campus growth initiatives
  • Ironman finisher