Meet Jose Villanueva | Engineer & Content Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jose Villanueva and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jose, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
“Just do it.” A very popular quote from Nike, but it means a lot to me. Sometimes, we’re scared of what people will say or if they’ll make fun of us for the outcome. But, in reality, this fear is what will allow us to be free. People will criticize you no matter what, whether you take action or not. So, you might as well work towards achieving your goals and continue with your journey.

In my personal experience, this quote has been instrumental in my growth. About 10 years ago, I decided to learn English, and at first, I noticed that I would get stared at for my strong accent. However, I didn’t let that deter me. I embraced the “Just do it” mentality and persevered. The same mindset guided me when I chose to study engineering, despite the doubts others had about my potential success. It also motivated me when I started creating content online.

Now, as a result of adopting this mindset, I am bilingual, with proficiency in English and Spanish. I have gained over 130k followers across various social media platforms, which has allowed me to share my experiences and inspire others. Additionally, I successfully obtained a master’s degree in Industrial Engineering.

The phrase “Just do it” reminds me that we often need to conquer our fears to discover the opportunities that lie on the other side. It encourages me to take action, embrace challenges, and not let the fear of judgment or failure hold me back. By adopting this mentality, I have been able to overcome obstacles, achieve personal growth, and reach milestones that I once thought were out of reach.

“Just do it” is a quote that resonates with me deeply. It symbolizes the importance of taking risks, overcoming fears, and embracing challenges to pursue personal and professional growth. It serves as a constant reminder that by taking action and persevering, we can surpass our own expectations and discover the incredible possibilities that await us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Both of my degrees are B.S. and M.S., are in Industrial and systems engineering. I have had the privilege of gaining experience in various companies, including Tesla, Nike, and Siemens Gamesa, where I worked as a Technical Project Manager and Supply Chain Manager. After completing my college education in Orlando, I resided there for one year before relocating to Burlington, Iowa, and later to Portland, Oregon, for work. These experiences allowed me to truly appreciate the richness of Hispanic culture, which is not widely prevalent in the United States. It was this realization that inspired me to start creating online content to represent Latinos throughout America. In the upcoming weeks, I am excited to embrace a new chapter in my professional journey. I will be moving to San Francisco for a job in the tech industry. I’m eager to take on fresh challenges and contribute to cutting-edge advancements in technology.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Miami is a vibrant city with a multitude of activities to enjoy! If my best friend were in town, I would definitely take him to indulge in some delicious churrasco at Texas de Brazil. When it comes to nightlife, Wynwood offers a plethora of options such as Dirty Rabbit or Tu Candela in Brickell. On Sunday, I would invite him to join me for a delightful brunch at Tap 42 or suggest exploring the Florida Keys for a day trip or even renting a boat for a memorable experience!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) played a crucial role in shaping me into the successful engineer I am today. It all began with their assistance in crafting my elevator pitch, and their career fairs provided invaluable opportunities to connect with recruiters from esteemed companies. The foundation I acquired through my involvement with this society paved the way for internships at both Tesla and Nike in the past. I first discovered SHPE during my undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida (UCF) and chose to maintain my active participation throughout my graduate studies at NC State. However, my focus shifted more towards becoming a mentor, giving back, and supporting younger students in their journeys.

Instagram: @el.jorvi

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joservillanueva/