Juan Martinez

Juan D. Martinez-Pineda is a Senior Manager at The Aspen Institute’s Forum for Community Solutions.

He is a co-founder of Fresh Tracks, a youth-led cross-cultural revolution, rooted in the healing power of the outdoors. His work has helped to grow the silo-breaking strategy for systems change and youth power building while also lifting up successful stories of civic engagement and community organizing.

Juan was named a National Geographic Explorer in 2011 and a member of the inaugural class of The Explorers Club 50 in 2021, for his work to engage the rising generation of youth to the healing power of the outdoors and culture. 

Juan is a proud product of South Central Los Angeles. He is a TED Speaker, community organizer, author, and is dedicated to bringing the power of equity and justice to life through youth and community-driven solutions. Juan has committed to help empower the next generation of leaders dedicated to addressing systems of inequity and access to opportunities by working with community leaders, non-profits, and businesses across the country. Juan resides in Blanco, Texas, with his wife, Vanessa and newborn son, Alexandro.