Juan Diego Perez La Cruz shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Juan Diego, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Who are you learning from right now?
Right now, I am learning primarily from my students and from the paraprofessional and special education teams I work alongside every day. The children I work with continually teach me how to understand communication beyond words, to recognize learning in small but meaningful moments, and to build trust as the foundation of growth. Through their unique ways of expressing themselves, interacting with others, and navigating the classroom, I have learned to slow down, listen more carefully, and respect individual rhythms of learning. Working closely with them has strengthened my patience, empathy, and ability to be fully present.
At the same time, I am learning deeply from my colleagues in special education. Special education teachers, paraprofessionals, behavioral specialists, and speech-language therapists model what collaborative and responsive support looks like in practice. From them, I have learned the value of consistency, observation, and teamwork, as well as how to adapt strategies thoughtfully and respond with care during challenging moments. I am also learning from families, whose trust and insight extend learning beyond the classroom. Together, these experiences continue to shape my growth and reinforce my commitment to education grounded in care, collaboration, and understanding.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Juan Diego Pérez La Cruz, and I am an architect, visual artist, and educator originally from Venezuela. I work as a paraprofessional in special education classrooms in Minnesota, supporting students with diverse needs, and I also mentor graduate students in the MFA program at MCAD. My work bridges the worlds of art, education, and community engagement, allowing me to bring creative, multidisciplinary approaches into the classroom.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One moment that profoundly shaped how I see the world was my first day working in a Special Day Classroom (SDC). Coming from a country where education is not integrated and children with diverse needs are often excluded from the school system, I remember feeling completely uncertain about my abilities. That day, I quickly realized the importance of providing consistent support and creating opportunities for every child to feel connected to school. I witnessed how trust, presence, and individualized attention could transform a student’s experience, allowing them to engage, communicate, and participate fully, just as every child deserves. This experience reshaped how I view education, inclusion, and the power of meaningful human connection.
Is there something you miss that no one else knows about?
A couple of months into my work, one of my friends asked me how the children called me, how they referred to me in the classroom. That’s when I realized I had not heard my name used in months. I had only ever heard it when talking with other adults or teachers. My friend’s question made me reflect on whether I had properly introduced myself to each child. Since then, I have modeled how they can say my name and added it to their AAC devices. This small change has strengthened trust, connection, and a sense of belonging for both the students and me.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Over the years, my experiences as an educator, artist, and volunteer have shown me the importance of using my skills and voice to support causes that matter deeply. I am committed to advocating for immigrant perspectives, bringing attention to the unique challenges and strengths that come with navigating new cultures and educational systems. I also believe in the power of art as a tool for social connection and community building. Furthermore, I am dedicated to supporting children with functional differences or disabilities, a commitment reinforced by over four years of volunteer work at Crescent Cove, where I helped children with life-threatening conditions grow emotionally, creatively, and socially. These experiences continue to inspire my dedication to creating inclusive, meaningful, and transformative educational and community spaces.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What pain do you resist facing directly?
The pain I resist facing directly is deeply tied to what is happening in my country. Venezuela continues to be devastated, and seeing the destruction of the place I once called home leaves me feeling shattered. The country I grew up in no longer recognizes me, and raising my voice against the ongoing hunger, violence, and erosion of values takes an emotional toll that sometimes feels physically overwhelming. Returning to my country would be like signing my own sentence, which makes this loss even heavier. This grief, both personal and collective, drives my work, my advocacy, and my commitment to creating meaningful connections, inclusion, and care wherever I am.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perezlacruz.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/perez.la.cruz/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juan-diego-p%C3%A9rez-la-cruz/
