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Juan Elizondo is a vocational educator, environmental consultant, multimedia specialist, and farmer with over a decade of experience in sustainable agriculture, conservation, curriculum development, and media storytelling. As the Vocational Department Chair at Furr High School, he leads the Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources career pathway, impacting over 300 students annually through hands-on conservation, regenerative farming, and career-readiness initiatives.

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"Transforming our community from a food desert to a food forest addresses critical needs like limited access to fresh food and excessive heat," said Elizondo. "Through sustainable practices, we nourish wildlife, support pollinators, and provide students with hands-on conservation experience and career training—training the next generation to lead and steward their communities for a resilient future."

 

Innovative Education & Leadership

As a Teacher Specialist at Furr High School for the XQ Super School Project (2016–2023), Juan played a key role in redefining high school education by integrating place-based learning, professional development, and strategic partnerships to uplift the school community. His contributions include:
 

✔ Conducting professional development for educators, focusing on real-world, place-based curriculum design

✔ Appraising and mentoring teachers, ensuring high-impact, experiential learning across diverse career pathways

✔ Leveraging partnerships to secure grants and funding, enhancing student learning opportunities

✔ Designing and implementing student internship programs that provide hands-on experience in agriculture, conservation, and multimedia storytelling

✔ Integrating sustainability and workforce development, preparing students for careers in environmental and media industries
 

Juan’s curriculum leadership and hands-on approach have positioned Furr High School as a national model for innovative education, merging academics, career training, and conservation initiatives.

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Building Sustainable Futures: Farming, Conservation & Community Impact

As a farmer and conservationist, Juan has led transformative agricultural projects that increase food access, restore ecosystems, and promote regenerative agriculture. His achievements include:
 

✔ Supervising and organizing tree giveaways, implementing school gardens, orchards, hundreds of tree plantings and soil restoration projects

✔ Establishing Houston’s largest outdoor classroom at Herman Brown Park, providing fresh food access and conservation education

✔ Pioneering permaculture-based farming and agroforestry techniques to improve soil health and biodiversity

✔ Mentoring and training students in urban farming, soil regeneration, and sustainable land management

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Multimedia Storytelling & Global Impact

Juan is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his degree in Radio-Television-Film with a focus on documentary and journalism. His background in media production and visual storytelling has shaped his ability to use film, photography, and digital platforms as tools for education, skill development, and community engagement.

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As a Multimedia Specialist, Juan integrates visual storytelling with conservation and educational initiatives, using photography, video production, and digital media to highlight community stories and meaningful projects. His work includes:

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✔ International documentary projects in Kosovo and India (Students of the World)

✔ Multimedia production, contractual services, and marketing for organizations and businesses

✔ Founder of HTX Voices, an initiative that trains youth and young adults in multimedia storytelling to document community projects and share positive narratives

✔ Over nine years of global agricultural work with The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, volunteering and leading projects in Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras

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"Storytelling is the bridge that connects knowledge to understanding, giving voice to experiences and inspiring positive action that shapes our communities," Elizondo explained. "HTX Voices is about creating a platform where every story matters—honoring, preserving, and uplifting the rich histories and voices of our community."

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Through HTX Voices, Juan provides training and mentorship for young storytellers, helping them develop technical skills in video production, photography, and digital media to document and share community-driven initiatives.

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Awards & Recognition

Juan’s pioneering work in education, agriculture, multimedia, and conservation has earned him numerous awards, including:

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Media & Film Highlights  

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🏆 2008 – "Harvest Mandala Food Drive” film accepted into The Cohen New Works Festival
🏆 2009 – Screening of Students of the World film at the Clinton Global Initiative, New York
🏆 2010 – “Feeding Austin” selected for broadcast on KLRU-TV, Austin PBS
🏆 2010 – First Place, Video for Online News, "Equestrian Journey” – Columbia Scholastic Press Association
🏆 2010 – "Our Guadalupe” film selected for screening on the East Austin Tour Bus (Austin History Center)
🏆 2010 – Second Place, Video for Online News, "Fashion Senior Draws Inspiration from Her Mother” – Columbia Scholastic Press Association
🏆 2010 – First Place, Multimedia Presentation, "University of Texas Fashion 2009” – Columbia Scholastic Press Association
🏆 2011 – "Our Guadalupe” selected for screening at the 14th Cine Las Americas International Film Festival
🏆 2020 – Founder and Director of Houston Voices Internship program (HTXVoices.com)

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Education & Leadership Highlights

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🏆2015 – USDA Abraham Lincoln Honor Award – U.S. Forest Service, “Diversity, Inclusion, and Outreach”
🏆 2015 – Presenter at the National Environmental Conference and Training Program, Washington, D.C.
🏆 2016 – Texas A&M AgriLife Vice Chancellor’s Award in Excellence – Partnership with Texas Forest Service
🏆 2016 – 2016: U.S. Forest Service, Region 8, Regional Forester’s “Making a Difference” Award
🏆 2017 – XQ Institute Super School Winner, Emerson Collective -Furr High School
🏆 2018 – Mirabeau B. Lamar Medal for "Excellence in Education"
🏆 2024 – "Teacher of the Year," Houston Independent School District

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Environmental & Community Highlights

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🏆 2015 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Urban Pollinator Pocket Garden – Jenkins Garden
🏆 2016 – National Public Lands Day Grant – Clinton Park
🏆 2016 – Fruit Tree Orchard and Community Garden Grant – National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), Herman Brown Park
🏆 2016 – Educator for America’s Latino Eco Festival – Youth Summit and Training
🏆 2016 – Educator for Green Schools Alliance – Student Conservation Corps & Congress, India
🏆 2016 – National Recreation and Park Association Grant – Commit to Health: Youth Ambassadors
 

Consulting & Training

Juan offers expert consulting and hands-on training in:
 

✔ Sustainable Agriculture & Regenerative Farming – Implementing permaculture and food forest models

✔ Educational Leadership & Teacher Training – Developing vocational place-based curriculum and conducting professional development

✔ Internship Program Development – Designing and launching student and young adult internships in agriculture, conservation, and multimedia

✔ Multimedia Production & Digital Storytelling – Training individuals and organizations on how to use media to promote conservation and community-driven narratives

✔ Grant Writing & Program Development – Securing funding and scaling impact-driven initiatives

Whether working with schools, nonprofits, businesses, or community organizations, Juan provides tailored consulting, workshops, and interactive training sessions to drive real-world impact.