Community Development, City of Des Moines

Johnny was also a fellow of the New Leaders Council Des Moines Chapter, after which he joined their board to ensure the recruitment efforts were targeting communities who would otherwise not have access to leadership development. He also became a board member of the Bicycle Collective, now the Street Collective of Greater Des Moines, to advocate for access to alternative forms of transportation, as well as sidewalk equity and transit safety. He has participated in events with Al Exito youth, ensuring that first-generation students have the necessary support to succeed in applying for and attending higher education institutions. Johnny also volunteers with the Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Commission and is active in the Refugee and Immigrant Advisory Subcommittee.
Johnny immigrated to the United States from Ecuador when he was a teenager. He moved to Iowa from New Jersey to attend ISU and graduated with a BS and a Master’s degree. Johnny remained in Iowa to apply his knowledge, skills, and background to ensure the opportunity to thrive for all members of historically marginalized groups, with a focus on the Latinx immigrant community.