An immigrant from from Juárez, Chihuahua, Ivan first came to Kansas City, Kansas at just 10 years old. Growing up undocumented, Ivan leaned on his mother’s unwavering faith and tireless work ethic, finding the resilience to navigate — and ultimately thrive in — an unfamiliar educational system. He is the first in his family to graduate from both high school and college.

Earning his degree from Kansas City Kansas Community College, Ivan spent over a decade in physical therapy, an experience that deepened his passion for helping others. Ivan has always remained connected to the community that supported him. He has volunteered extensively and served on the board for a nonprofit that once supported him as a high school senior. In 2023, after a collaboration with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Ivan had a pivotal realization: mentorship had been central to his own success and decided to make it his full-time mission.

Now a Family College Prep Program Advisor, Ivan helps Latino/Hispanic families navigate an education system not built with them in mind. “Dejé de llenarme los bolsillos para llenarme el corazoncito,” he says.

Outside of work, Ivan is a full-stack web dev student, folklorico dancer, manages a soccer club, a striker for a competitive team, homesteader, and community builder helping grow two family-run businesses: Panflansitos and Tierra Prieta Solutions.