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Hello, my friend! I'm
Transformational Keynote Speaker | Lead Researcher | Executive Coach
Delivering learning experiences to ignite life-changing breakthroughs
If you only read this page for 30 seconds here is what you need to know about me, I love helping leaders, and organizations to spark ALIVE cultures, communities and teams.
Throughout my journey, I’ve delivered powerful keynotes and transformative corporate training to industry giants like VISA, ULTA Beauty, LinkedIn, Zoom, Wawa, NASA, Pfizer, the FBI, Peace Corps, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and over a hundred other visionary organizations.
Off the stage, I’ve led groundbreaking initiatives as the first Chief of D&I for the world’s largest Coast Guard and spearheaded innovative HR strategies as Director of Recruitment and Retention. My experience as Deputy Director of highly respected leadership programs in the defense sector has enabled me to support and equip thousands of professionals with the tools they need to thrive and lead effectively.
My Purpose? To champion Collaboration, Culture, Connection, Leadership Development, and the creation of resilient, high-performing teams.
My motto? We are ALIVE—let’s make it count.
Sparking moments to Lead, Live, and Lift.
ALIVE, ALWAYS!
1930
Honoring my ancestors is important to me. My grandparents instilled powerful values. The story of my “abuelo" Jovito Salas is so inspiring to me. He used to leave the island of Puerto Rico for 6 months at a time to work at a Howard Johnson in New York to send money for primary needs. He didn’t know how to read or write, thanks to his dedication and work as a farmer he instill the values to raise a daughter that became a Doctor in Education, my aunt, and a Global Speaker, Author and Preacher, my mom.
1995
Sixth Grade Graduation - This was my first gig as a master of ceremonies!
2008
Bariatric Surgery. In December 16, 2008 I got the opportunity to live again.
2011
Got married to my best friend.
2007
My first internship. The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) summer internship program gave me the opportunity to start my career at the Forest Service. Didn’t speak English fluently. Those were the 10 toughest and rewarding weeks of my life.
1986
Born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico. My full name is Miguel Josue Aviles Perez. My parents met while attending Job Corps, a primary residential career technical training and education program for low-income at-risk youth. My mom reminds me until this day that she spent 25 hours giving labor. Round of applause – please.
1998
Started getting involved in several leadership positions in community organizations. This picture was taken the day we collected gifts for kids with HIV/AIDS in Estancia Corazon.
2009
Got my first job as a Human Resources Specialist in Recruitment at the Department of Defense. Moved from Puerto Rico to Washington, DC permanently.
1986
Graduated High-School
2004
Accepted in Chemical Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico in Mayaguez. Failed miserably - you can see the nervousness I get around scientific stuff - look at me sweating.
2008
Selected as a Diversity Recruiter for the Department of Defense. Discovered my passion to connect people with fantastic job opportunities. Helped over 200 peers to find jobs in different DOD components.
Samantha
May
Marketing Executive
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1989
I was an only child for almost 12 years. In the meantime, my “primos” were my siblings. There is a saying that cousins are those childhood playmates who grow up to be forever friends. We have so many stories while growing up in San Sebastian, PR.
2005
2005 Changed college programs and moved to Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Marketing. I was on fire!
2010
Traveled throughout the nation as a diversity recruiter and served as a manager of the Student Training and Academic Recruitment (STAR) Program. We had student recruiters at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Hispanic Serving Institutions, at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf and universities focused in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.
2019
Highlighted as an Inclusion Innovator at the SHRM’s Inclusion Conference
2021
Recognized as a Top 15 Diversity Champion by Diversity Global Magazine
2022
LinkedIn named me one of their Top Voices in Racial Equity.
2020
Once again achieved a remarkable physical transformation—released my hair to its destiny 😂 and I am in the best shape I have been in decades.
2021
"Retired” from Federal Service at the age of 34 to pursue my dreams.
2022
2022 was a record year delivering over 80 sessions. Thanks to our clients for helping us achieve lasting impact.
2021
Awarded the Commandant’s Civilian Service Commendation Medal for Federal Service and the Coast Guard Meritorious Team Commendation.
2021
After spending 13 glorious years in the National Capital Region relocated to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico with my bride Michelle, my two pups Bella & Stella and a big dream to pursue a full-time career as a keynote speaker, consultant and coach.
2023
The year that our lives changed forever. Help us celebrate our bundle of Joy - Teddy.
My Story
2005
2005 Changed college programs and moved to Business Administration with a concentration in Human Resources and Marketing. This picture was taken during one of the SHRM's Student Chapter events. I was on fire!
2012
2012 DCELP – Graduated from the Defense Civilian Emerging Leaders Program. First experience with coaching and 360 assessments. A year after got the opportunity to become the DCELP Deputy Program Manager. Had the blessing to graduate over 200 emerging leaders from over 20 Defense Agencies and learned how to tie bowties
2013-2014
We rescued Bella & Stella or shall I say they rescued us :D
2015
My first TEDx Talk – How to become a change-maker in today’s world.
2014
Became the Deputy Program Manager of the DOD’s Executive Leadership Development Program (ELDP), the oldest executive leadership program in DOD’s history. Trained and learned from active duty members of the Army, Air Force, Navy and the Marines. This was the most challenging, insightful, and transformational leadership development experience I had in my career.
2015
Became President of Young Government Leaders
2019
Recognized as one of the top 100 D&I Executives by DiversityMBA Magazine
2016
Accepted a promotion as the Chief of Recruitment and Retention Programs at the Bureau of Land Management. In charge of the entire portfolio of Diversity and Inclusion programs and employee engagement strategies.
2018
Became the first civilian Chief of Diversity and Inclusion at the US Coast Guard
We are Alive. Let's Make it Count