Fueled by ambition and a drive to make a meaningful impact, Juan Solis-Robles, born in Mexico and raised in Detroit, moved to Chicago to pursue both his undergraduate and graduate degrees. His hardworking family had instilled a deep appreciation for community, culture, and service, and he was eager to make a difference. Immersing himself in the vibrancy of the city’s neighborhoods, he soon began carving out a career in business consulting, helping organizations solve complex problems while staying grounded in values that mattered most to him. 

Since joining the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA) nonprofit in 2020, Juan has become an active advocate for Latino empowerment, serving on the board for the past three years. His work with ALPFA connected him with professionals who shared his passion for building inclusive leadership pipelines and uplifting underrepresented voices. 

It was through ALPFA that Juan first learned about Make-A-Wish Illinois. Drawn to its heart-centered mission, Juan began volunteering as a wish granter, helping turn dreams into realities for children battling critical illnesses. 

“Make-A-Wish Illinois continues to make a significant impact on the lives of many kids out there, and I just wanted to be a part of that good,” Juan shares. “It's a really fulfilling experience to help make a kid's wish come true, so they get to enjoy that moment and receive something positive in their life.” 

Recognizing a unique opportunity to merge two passions, Juan organized a volunteer orientation for his company’s Latino employee resource group—encouraging more Spanish-speaking volunteers to get involved. His goal: ensure that wish families who primarily speak Spanish feel heard, understood, and supported at every step of their wish journey. 

That initiative sparked a deeper connection with Make-A-Wish. Juan was invited to join the Make-A-Wish Illinois Chicago Neighborhood Council; a group focused on expanding the mission’s reach, strengthening local corporate support and recruiting volunteers.   

“When you make this about the kids,” he reflects, “you realize just how much compassion you have in you.” 

Juan’s journey is a testament to the power of intersectional advocacy, where professional leadership and heartfelt service converge. Through every wish he helps to grant, and every volunteer he inspires, Juan continues to build bridges of hope that span neighborhoods, languages, and lives. 

Juan was recently recognized with the 2025 Belonging Champion Award. This award honors a volunteer who fosters a sense of belonging in a diverse community where everyone feels welcomed, accepted, valued, and respected to advance access and opportunity for all.