What's The Next Step?

Sharing My Story on the Main Stage of the Latinos in Action Conference

On April 7, 2025, I had the incredible honor of speaking to over 1,200 students, faculty, and staff from across the country at the Latinos in Action Youth Leadership Conference, held at the Addition Financial Arena at UCF. Standing under the glow of the arena lights, with my art projected on the massive overhead screen, I delivered a keynote titled “What’s the Next Step? | The Key to Unlocking Your Dreams.”

The core message I shared was this: You don’t need all the answers to move forward. You just need to ask the right question… “What’s the next step?” Whether you're feeling unsure, unsupported, or overwhelmed, that one question can unlock a world of possibilities. It certainly did for me.

I took the audience on a journey that began with a young boy taking a summer art class in Old San Juan, sketching dreams that seemed too big at the time. I spoke about working as an artist for Walt Disney World, and the surreal honor of being invited by then-Florida Governor Rick Scott and his wife Ann Scott to showcase my artwork at the Governor's Mansion during a cultural celebration in 2018. At one point in the talk, a photo of me and my father from that unforgettable evening filled the giant screen above the stage. A full-circle moment that still gives me chills.

But the most emotional moment came when I shared something deeply personal. I lost my mother to cancer years ago, and I often reflect on the many blank canvases she never had the chance to paint. Her unfulfilled dreams became a source of fuel for mine. That day, I stood on that stage as a full-time artist, in part because I didn’t want to leave my own canvases untouched. When I shared that story, I could feel the room pause; a collective heartbeat, a connection.

After the talk, I was approached by Dr. Jose Enriquez, the founder and CEO of Latinos in Action, who shook my hand and said, “That is what they came here for.” That moment, and his words, meant more to me than I can fully express. I'm deeply grateful to Dr. Enriquez for his vision, and to Julie Arocha, Director of Events, for her incredible hospitality and support. They gave me the opportunity to speak not just as an artist, but as someone who believes in the potential of this next generation of Latino leaders.

This event was also a personal milestone for another reason,  I had the chance to share the experience with my good friend Alberto Mella. Over a decade ago, we met at a local Toastmasters International Club, where we used to compete in speechwriting contests and dream of becoming professional speakers. We even have a photo of us holding up our first-place trophies back then. Now, to be sharing the stage as professionals? That’s not just inspiring, it’s surreal.

There are moments in life where everything aligns: your story, your struggle, your passion, and your purpose. This was one of those moments.

To every young leader who was in that audience - keep asking that question:
What’s the next step?

Because sometimes, the only thing standing between you and your dream... is the courage to take that Next Step.

-  Juan Sepúlveda
 Artist | Speaker | Storyteller of Unfinished Canvases