Julian’s Fountain of Youth (JFOY) creates opportunities for our LGBT Youth to partake in activates that include experiential learning and life-enrichment strategies at no cost to them or their families. This collection of initiatives will result in the production of future community leaders and the overall betterment of our LGBT youth both locally and nationally.
HELPING LGTBQ YOUTH! |
(JFOY) Partnering with local and national LGBT organizations
How It All Began
Our Mission
Meet
Our Team
Julian Cavazos
Board Member & Founder/CEO/President
julian@jfoy.org
Julian is a Navy veteran and small business owner who started his work in the nonprofit sector in 1988 during the height of the AIDS epidemic by volunteering with the first nonprofit organization in Houston Texas to focus on the needs of the Hispanic community. Called Amigos Volunteers in Education and Services or AVES, it was with AVES that he learned the importance of having a voice and taking a stand for others. Julian also Chaired the first LGBT Chamber of Commerce Counsel in the state of Florida and one of the first in the nation. Called the Gay and Lesbian Business Exchange or GLBX. Julian served as its chair for two consecutive years. Julian has since chaired or served on the following Boards: Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce SunServe Citizens of the World The Renand Foundation
Jacqualin Gonzales
Board Member & Treasurer
jacqualin@jfoy.org
Jacqualin is the founder and CEO of a property service company. She has a strong financial background including extensive experience in cash flow analysis, variance analysis, cost tracking, reporting and budgeting. She is inspired by those who work hard and hone their craft with passion in order to enjoy the rewarding end product. Jacqualin believes that injustice can be present in various shapes and sizes in today’s world. She believes that every human being deserves to be treated with respect and dignity. Jacqualin adores youth and believes her life experiences have shaped her into the woman she is today. She is passionate about her friendships. Of paramount importance to her is loyalty.
Darren Lydting
Board Member
darren@jfoy.org
Darren has 27 years professional experience in commercial lending. Presently he overseas Business Banking, Small Business Banking and SBA lending nationwide as the Executive Vice President and Business Banking Credit Executive, with over 15 years tenure. Darren has a long history of community involvement and in 2010 received the Community Involvement award from BankUnited. His involvement has included Board Of Director for the Center for Financial Training/Miami Dade College, Board Of Director for the March of Dimes, Budget advisory Board for the City of Wilton Manors and Loan Committee Officer for the Palm Beach Loan Fund (Moroco lender). Published work includes financial articles for the RMA Magazine, a business columnist for Fashion Spectrum Magazine and Columnist for Circuit Noise Magazine. Darren is also a world traveler trying to experience and understand cultures throughout the world, with a current country count of 92.
Terry Martinez
Board Member & Secretary
terry@jfoy.org
Terry is a very recent retiree after 30 years in health care compliance in South Florida and 14 years in health care in Houston, Texas. She is a happily divorced mother of three incredible adult children, a renaissance man of a son-in-law, one exceptional granddaughter and an extremely special boyfriend of her youngest daughter. Terry was an active volunteer (probably too active according to her children) in school activities and volunteerism has always been important in giving back. She also participated in the American Heart Association’s Community Advocacy Committee. Terry became an LGBTQ advocate when her 16 y.o. son came out 12 years ago. She was active in her employer’s Pride Network Resource Group and has been an involved friend of the community. After attending her first Reverse Quinceanera, she found a brother from another mother in Julian Cavazos and a deeper love for the cause. Terry is adamantly opposed to any and all types of discrimination and inequality.
