A Conversation with Your Precinct 2207 Neighbor . . . Juan Ayala

Juan Ayala is a man with a clear understanding of what he wants to do and how to get there. Currently a candidate for the State Democratic Executive Committee, Juan is a poster boy for illustrating how hard work, scholarly accomplishment, career achievement and volunteer efforts can move an individual toward desired goals.


Juan grew up in East Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School with honors after earning college hour credits from his several advanced placement courses. Awarded a scholarship and grants to Trinity University, he graduated with a degree in economics and is the first person in his family to graduate from college.

A part time job with Dean Witter was helpful during college and became a full time job following graduation. Enjoying his job and life in San Antonio, adversity suddenly struck and he lost both parents and his position with Dean Witter. This difficult experience was monumental but Juan emerged with a renewed vision and determination to succeed.

A senior executive with USA Mobility in Dallas for the last 12 years, Juan now works with international corporations in wireless communications. But as he says, “Politics is my passion.”

Currently president of Dallas County Young Democrats, Juan also is running for the State Democratic Executive Committee. “There’s a lot of energy in the air this year, and I think I can help the party tap into it, especially the youth and Latino vote. We have a lot of great candidates running for the SDEC slot, but I think I can bring a fresh perspective.”

Few people can match Juan’s political, community and volunteer involvements. He has worked on International, Representative and Executive Committees of Young Democrats of America. He is a Deputy Voter Registrar and a member of the Dallas Stonewall Democrats. He also serves as a board member of the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, is a member of LULAC Council 4871 and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Dallas Life Foundation, For the Love of the Lake and was a delegate for the Senate District 16 Convention.

He was Co-chair of the Young Democrats of America National Convention held in Dallas in 2007 and helped raise $96,000 for that event. Speakers were: Senator John Edwards, General Wesley Clark, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and former Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower. Young Democrats from 46 states attended as well as 23 guests from foreign countries.

Juan moved to the Lake Highlands area two years ago when he bought his first house. As if his other commitments weren’t enough, he says he’s excited about turned Lake Highlands blue this fall. “We must do more than just talk about Democratic values: we must live them,” he says.