Power by design . . From self to systems

That was ALPFA's theme for the 2026 convention, and it really illustrated my experience, not just at the convention, but in how I've navigated the various phases of my career.

I think back to being a student at the New Jersey Institute of Technology, spending hours by myself preparing to walk into rooms that felt unfamiliar . . questioning whether the countless hours of self-prep before a huge conference were even worth it.

Once I shifted my perspective from self to systems . . understanding I belonged became the byproduct.

A system, I learned, is just people who choose to rise together.

For me, it was a village!

Peers all striving for the next level together . . working on resumes, researching companies, practicing mock interviews, following up, and opening doors for each other as we climbed.

Before we knew it, everyone in our village was landing internships and full-time offers around the same time.

Being on the other side of it now, I asked myself, as I continue to grow . .

This year, it started before I even walked in . .

I came into ALPFA with a system . . a game plan that amplified everyone around me.

In the weeks leading up to the event, I gave feedback on countless resumes, and watched it turn into real opportunities.

At the convention, a dinner invite I received became a table of 10, because I asked if 6 others could join me.

And the conversations at that dinner led to an opportunity to speak on a panel the very next day.

I met people with a need, and connected them to the exact people I knew could help.

If one person wins, we all win together 🙏🏼

I connected with mentees, old NJIT friends, peers, family, and my Dominican community, all of us rising together.

A huge highlight for me personally was seeing my wife, Iris Canela, move through these spaces.

She's pivoting industries, chasing roles in Learning & Development, and the way she's embraced the transition is one of the most admirable things I've ever seen.

I watched her go from self to systems, embracing the village that's been built around her.

The recruiters opening doors are part of the system too.

As Latinos in tech, we often have to see it to be it . . and seeing people who look like you, who come from where you come from, already on the other side, makes it easier to visualize yourself in the same place . .

I'm grateful for everyone who went out of their way to make this convention what it was.

And for everyone who spoke life and inspired people to realize their fullest potential.

I believe success is most impactful when it creates opportunities for others.

And I can't wait to see how many lives are changed through the systems we continue to build together 🙏🏼

When you bring your whole self into a room and reach back for the people behind you, you give the next person permission to do the same:

That's the ripple effect of building systems.

Every one of us has an elevator we can send back down.

So wherever you are on the climb, be the reason someone else believes they belong . .

If you've ever wondered whether just being you was enough, it always was.

Build your village, look after the people around you, and bring someone along with you.

One person’s breakthrough, has the power to become someone else’s blueprint 🙏🏼

If this resonated, there's room for you in the village.

Welcome to DÍMELO, the newsletter where I share the journey and reach back as I climb.

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I'm grateful we're on this journey together!

- John Canela