Hello

My Story

​

From Scarcity to Strategy: A Journey of Resilience.

​

My Roots: Understanding the Underdog

​

I was born and raised in San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico, in the Residencial La Lorenzana—public housing where opportunity was scarce and struggle was the daily currency. Raised by a single mother with a third-grade education, I learned early that resources do not determine destiny; spirit does. Despite battling severe depression, she taught me unwavering discipline.

I look at the history of Israel—a nation born in scarcity, surrounded by adversity, with few natural resources—and I recognize that story. It is my story. I know what it means to start with nothing, to face closed doors due to poverty and prejudice, and to build a future through sheer grit. This personal history allows me to teach about Israel not just as a geopolitical entity, but as a masterclass in overcoming the odds.

​

The Soldier & The Strategist

​

My military journey began in 1999 when I enlisted in the U.S. Army as a Specialist (E-4). By 2002, I earned my commission as a Second Lieutenant, launching a 13-year career bridging Intelligence and Logistics. My service took me across a complex geopolitical landscape—from operations in South America and Korea to strategic posts in Italy and Israel, and combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. These diverse missions taught me that precision saves lives and that true brotherhood transcends borders.

​

However, my service was also an internal battle. I fought through the silence of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the grief of losing a partner, and the invisible challenge of undiagnosed neurodivergence (ADHD and High-Functioning Autism). While this sometimes made social navigation difficult, it gifted me with a unique ability to hyper-focus and identify patterns that others miss. I masked these traits to fit a mold for years, but today I embrace them as the source of my analytical strength. My military background gives me the tools to dissect strategies, while my unique perspective allows me to see the details others overlook.

​

The Educator: Turning Weakness into Strength

​

On paper, I was an academic success; in reality, I was lost. I entered university with high scores but lacked the ability to structure my thoughts or write clearly—a failure of the system to understand my learning style. That frustration became my fuel. I had to deconstruct how I learned in order to survive.

​

This is why I am now an Educator. I do not take knowledge for granted. I value the Jewish tradition of machloket (debate) and deep inquiry because I had to fight to find my own voice. At Aviv, I break down complex geopolitical and historical concepts into clear, structured lessons, ensuring that others can access the understanding that was once difficult for me to grasp.

​

My Spiritual Anchor & The Mission of Aviv

​

My journey led me to my anchor: Hashem. My conversion to Judaism was not just a religious shift; it was the final piece of my identity puzzle. It provided the spiritual context for my life's resilience.

I founded Aviv because I believe the world needs the lessons Israel has to offer. My mission is to bridge the gap between the "Start-Up Nation" and the developing world. I want to show emerging nations and communities—people who, like me, started at the bottom—how to apply the Israeli model of innovation, resource management, and community strength to build their own prosperity.

​

I am Julio Peres Vega. I am a Veteran, a Researcher, and a Believer. I am here to share the blueprint of resilience.