| From 17 Year Old Applicant to JA Staff Member
Graduate 2022 Carlos Cadena
- Entered JA with the Class of 2018
- UAQ / Autonomus University of Querétaro
- Computer Engineering
Carlos Antonio Cadena Ríos was 17 when he applied to enter Jóvenes Adelante. He comes from a family of 4.
His sister (also featured in this issue) is older, the first in her family to graduate university.
His parents never had the chance to exceed low education levels - his father worked in sewing and his mother cleaned houses - all to support their kids for better opportunities of education.
The family would walk miles so that Carlos and his sister could attend English and math classes, basketball.
At 5 years old, Carlos and his sister began to make craft items - bracelets with beads, or with hemp thread. Even as a child, Carlos was already a leader amongst his classmates...helping them improve, building trust.
Carlos' high school teachers recommended him to study Computer Engineering at the Autonomous University of Querétaro. He was always curious about how software is used, how products are built.
That curiosity extended to music. "I like to play guitar; I started taking lessons four years ago. In general, I really like music; it's amazing how various instruments come together and create such beautiful melodies. In fact, I like to do some music mixing, but I only do it in my free time; it helps me relax. I would also like to learn to play piano."
In 2025 Jóvenes Adelante was looking for both a new Graduate Network Coordinator and someone to join the staff supporting IT. Another graduate informed us that Carlos, who had been working at the tech park in San Miguel de Allende, might be interested.
A JA graduate, already employed part time under the guidance of his mentor working on JA's SQL database, English speaking and affable, he seemed the perfect fit.
Ever responsible, Carlos accepted the new position but needed a month to tie up his other commitments. One year in, JA could not be more thrilled to have him as part of the team.
As Carlos embraced his mentor, Chris Kapilla after presenting a volunteer service to Chris, the tears flowed all around.
The circle had been completed.
My main goal since I was a child has been to work very hard to be the best in my class and graduate from university with excellent grades, because I want to be proud of myself, and for my family to be even prouder.
I believe technology is one of the driving forces of the world. After completing my university degree, I would like to design software that can help people solve their problems.
What started as volunteer work and mentoring from Chris Kapilla at Jóvenes Adelante has now evolved into an official position. I joined the team this year as the Grad Network & IT Coordinator, demonstrating the value of sustained assistance and development within the JA community.
Graduates keep supporting JA through volunteer engagement. In addition to graduates who currently serve as volunteer psychologists and mentors. In 2025, 16 graduates expressed interest in serving as new mentors and interviewers during the selection process, and 16 graduates were successfully matched through the new JA Peers program, a peer-to-peer initiative designed to provide guidance, support, and shared experience to current students.
The Graduate Studies Program accepted six Jóvenes Adelante graduates in 2025. This achievement reaffirmed master's degree support as a strategic goal, acknowledging the contribution of advanced education to our graduates' long-term impact and professional development.
Carlos Cadena
- Graduate June, 2022
- Parque Tecnológico Sanmiguelense
- Jóvenes Adelante Graduate Network Coordinator and IT Support, 2025
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