Mr. buildOn: How Juan Antonio Gomez Found Purpose Through Service

In Chicago, many buildOn students know him simply as “Mr. buildOn.”

For Juan Antonio Gomez, service went from a graduation requirement to a place of belonging, confidence, and purpose, as well as a pathway to leadership that has continued long after high school.

Juan is a buildOn alum from Benito Juarez Community Academy who dedicated more than 1,200 hours of service during his four years in high school. His journey is one of perseverance, acceptance, and the power of community, especially for neurodivergent young people.

From Requirement to Refuge

Juan first joined buildOn in October 2015, when he was 14 years old. At the time, Benito Juarez had introduced a new graduation requirement: 50 hours of community service.

Juan was hesitant. Saturdays were his free time. He was shy. He didn’t know anyone.

“I didn’t know what to do,” Juan remembers. “I really wanted to go home.”

“But that all changed when my Engagement Specialist Betsy Grace introduced herself to me.”

Betsy, a buildOn staff member in Chicago, took the time to welcome him, explain the program, and show him that he belonged. That early support helped Juan feel safe enough to stay.

Finding Belonging Through Service

Juan kept showing up. Week after week. Year after year.

He didn’t stop at 50 hours. Or 100. Or 300.

By his sophomore year, Juan was volunteering every week on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. He served on MLK Day. He joined citywide service projects. He worked alongside students from schools across Chicago.

Service became the place where Juan felt most confident.

“I was always the shy one,” he says. “Service gave me confidence and leadership skills. Betsy told me to remember: You’re not alone. Everyone is there for you.”

Becoming “Mr. buildOn”

As Juan’s service hours grew, so did his impact.

Younger students began to notice. They saw him showing up consistently. Leading by example. Encouraging others to join.

That’s when the nickname started.

A freshman named Alberto began calling him “Mr. buildOn.” The name stuck because Juan had become a symbol of what long-term commitment looks like.

By the time he graduated, Juan had logged 1,242 service hours, earning the Abby Hurst Service Award twice and becoming one of the most dedicated student volunteers in his school’s history.

Neurodiversity, Service and Inclusion

Juan is open about living with mild autism. For much of his life, people underestimated him.

“Don’t let things get to you just because you’re different,” Juan says. “That doesn’t mean you can’t be part of society.”

buildOn gave Juan a space where he was valued for his effort, his kindness, and his consistency instead of being judged by labels. Service helped him develop confidence, leadership, and a sense of purpose that carried into adulthood.

Still Serving

After graduating in 2019, Juan didn’t stop serving his community.

He continued volunteering with buildOn as an alum, supporting corporate service immersions and community projects across Chicago. He also pursued higher education, earning a degree in computer science from Harold Washington College in 2023.

Today, Juan continues working on his mental health, exploring creative goals like voice acting, and looking for new ways to give back. Service remains central to who he is.

What Leadership Means to Juan

For Juan, leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room.

“Being a leader means helping people who are in need, standing up with courage, and reminding others that we’re not alone,” he says. “We’re doing this together.”

It’s the same leadership he practiced for years at buildOn—quiet, consistent, and rooted in care.

“Being a leader means helping people who are in need, standing up with courage, and reminding others that we’re not alone. We’re doing this together.” —Juan Antonio Gomez

Why Juan’s Story Matters

Juan’s story is proof that service is more than an activity. It’s a community. A support system. A place where young people of all abilities can grow into leaders.

Once a shy freshman fulfilling a requirement, Juan became “Mr. buildOn.” And his commitment continues to inspire students across Chicago. Because when service creates belonging, leadership follows.

If you want to help students like Juan grow into leaders in their communities, consider making a tax-deductible donation to support our work today.