Juan-Pablo Zacarías Menéndez

Juan-Pablo Zacarías Menéndez
Personal Details
Born	Juan-Pablo Zacarías Menéndez May 8th 1965 New York City
Nationality	American with Cuban and Argentinian heritage
Political party	New American Left
Spouse(s)	Yamileth Menéndez née Garcia
Children	3
Education	Bachelors in Criminal Justice from City University of New York (1988) J.D. from Fordham University (1992)

Juan-Pablo Zacarías Menéndez is an American politician known best for his independent bid for President in July 2023. Being a political unknown before the race, he was launched into the national spotlight when he garnered a significant amount of political support in the popular vote. His campaign was particularly strong in the North, his home state where he took a strong second-place finish.

Early Life

Juan-Pablo is a remarkable individual who hails from the vibrant neighborhood of Spanish Harlem. Born to an Argentinian father and a Cuban mother, his multicultural upbringing shaped his worldview and ignited a passion for embracing diverse cultures. Growing up in a melting pot of traditions, music, and languages, Juan-Pablo developed a deep appreciation for the rich heritage and shared experiences of his Latin American roots.

From a young age, Juan-Pablo's parents instilled in him the values of hard work, perseverance, and the importance of education. Their unwavering support and encouragement fueled his ambition to succeed. With a thirst for knowledge, he excelled academically and became an advocate for educational opportunities within his community. Juan-Pablo's upbringing in Spanish Harlem, along with his multicultural heritage, inspired him to dedicate himself to social justice causes, fighting for equal rights and opportunities for all, regardless of background or ethnicity. His journey serves as an inspiration to others, illustrating the power of embracing one's heritage and working towards a more inclusive society. Juan-Pablo's commitment to social justice extended beyond his community in Spanish Harlem, particularly evident in his work with Cuban migrants. Recognizing the struggles and hardships faced by those who had left their homeland seeking better opportunities and a brighter future, Juan-Pablo dedicated his efforts to support and uplift this vulnerable population.

Drawing upon his own family's Cuban heritage, Juan-Pablo had a deep empathy and understanding of the unique challenges faced by Cuban migrants. He actively engaged with various organizations and initiatives aimed at providing assistance and resources to help them integrate into their new surroundings. From helping with language acquisition and job training to advocating for their rights and access to essential services, Juan-Pablo tirelessly worked to ensure that these individuals were given the support they needed to rebuild their lives.

Through his compassionate efforts, Juan-Pablo fostered a sense of community among Cuban migrants, creating spaces where their stories could be heard and their voices amplified. His work not only provided practical support but also brought attention to the plight of Cuban migrants and the broader issues surrounding immigration and displaced populations.

Juan-Pablo's unwavering dedication and advocacy for Cuban migrants serves as a testament to his belief in the inherent worth and dignity of every individual. His tireless efforts have helped many Cuban migrants find a sense of belonging and hope, embodying the spirit of compassion and solidarity that is essential in creating a more inclusive and equitable society. After graduating from Fordham University and becoming bar certified, Juan-Pablo's passion for social justice led him to specialize in immigration law. As an immigration lawyer and advocate, he dedicated himself to assisting individuals navigating the complex and often daunting immigration process. With his deep understanding of the challenges faced by immigrants, he became a trusted ally and source of support for Hispanic immigrants.

Juan-Pablo's expertise and commitment to his clients earned him a reputation as a skilled and compassionate immigration lawyer. He fought tirelessly to protect the rights and dignity of his clients, working diligently to help them obtain legal status, reunite with their families, and build new lives in their adopted country. His unwavering advocacy extended beyond the confines of the courtroom as he actively engaged in policy discussions and lobbied for immigration reforms that would provide fair and just pathways for immigrants.

Through his successful career as an immigration lawyer and advocate, Juan-Pablo made a significant impact on the lives of countless individuals and families. His unwavering dedication to upholding the principles of justice and equality exemplified his commitment to building a more inclusive society, where the rights and aspirations of immigrants are recognized and valued. Despite his achievements and success, Juan-Pablo has chosen to remain rooted in his community, continuing to reside on the same block in Spanish Harlem where he grew up. This decision speaks volumes about his deep connection to his neighborhood and his unwavering commitment to uplifting the place that shaped him. By staying in Spanish Harlem, he maintains a strong sense of community and serves as a role model for the younger generations who can see firsthand that success and giving back are not mutually exclusive.

Living in the same area allows Juan-Pablo to stay intimately connected with the pulse of the community he holds dear. He remains accessible to his neighbors, offering guidance, support, and inspiration to those who may be facing similar challenges he once encountered. By staying rooted in Spanish Harlem, Juan-Pablo actively contributes to the social fabric of the neighborhood, working towards its betterment through his continued engagement in local initiatives, mentorship programs, and advocacy for equitable opportunities. 

Political Career

Before the formation of The New Frontier Party, Dushon Marshall Jr. Born to the late Dushon Marshall Sr. a friend and colleague of Juan-Pablo, Dushon Jr. played a pivotal role in convincing Juan-Pablo to lend his support to the political movement. Dushon Marshall Jr. possessed a deep sense of social justice and an unwavering belief in the power of collective action to bring about positive change. He grew up observing his father’s and Juan-Pablo’s dedication to public service, as Dushon Sr. had been an influential advocate for marginalized communities. Inspired by his father's legacy and driven by his own convictions, Dushon Jr. sought to carry on the torch of his father's work.

Juan-Pablo assumed a vital role within the New Frontier Party, serving as an advisor to the party council and holding a senior position within the organization. His extensive experience in law, and policy makingmade him an invaluable asset in shaping the party's policies, strategies, and long-term vision. Juan-Pablo's guidance and insights helped steer the party towards pragmatic solutions, ensuring that their progressive agenda aligned with practical considerations and had a viable path to implementation. His influential presence within the party cemented his position as a respected senior member, lending credibility and gravitas to the New Frontier Party's endeavors.

Despite his influential role within the New Frontier Party, Juan-Pablo initially expressed a strong reluctance to run for the coalition’s nomination as a candidate. Believing that his skills were better suited for an advisory and supportive capacity, he wholeheartedly advocated for Victoria Keating, citing her capabilities and passion for public service. Juan-Pablo felt that Victoria's leadership qualities and deep understanding of the party's ideology made her the ideal candidate to represent their shared vision. However, when Victoria decided not to pursue the nomination, Juan-Pablo reluctantly stepped up to the plate.

Although Juan-Pablo ultimately ran for the nomination, he harbored reservations due to the limited time he had to prepare for the campaign. He believed that his defeat in the nomination race was primarily attributable to this time constraint, rather than a lack of dedication or commitment. Juan-Pablo felt that he hadn't been able to fully articulate his policy positions, connect with party members on a personal level, or build the necessary campaign infrastructure to secure the nomination.

Personal Life

Following his defeat in the nomination race and the decision of Victoria Keating not to run, Juan-Pablo began to entertain suspicions that undisclosed agreements had been made behind his back, leading to Victoria's decision not to run. These concerns left him feeling betrayed and disillusioned, questioning the integrity and transparency within the coalition. Determined to forge a path aligned with their shared values, Juan-Pablo joined forces with Dushon Marshall Jr. to create an independent ticket that would allow them to continue their pursuit of change.

The decision to form an independent ticket marked a significant turning point in their political journey. However, it also resulted in their expulsion from the New Frontier Party. This expulsion was a consequence of their departure from the party's established structure and their decision to challenge the status quo. Undeterred, Juan-Pablo and Dushon Marshall Jr. forged ahead, viewing this expulsion as an opportunity to create a platform that was free from the constraints and compromises they believed had hindered their previous efforts within the party. Their independent ticket symbolized their unwavering commitment to their shared vision, as they sought to bring about transformative change.

During their independent campaign, Juan-Pablo and Dushon Marshall Jr. immersed themselves in the public sphere, dedicating numerous days to connecting with voters and addressing pressing issues. Their commitment to hands-on engagement was exemplified by Juan-Pablo's noteworthy act of delivering essential supplies to migrants at the southern border. By personally taking a truckload of food, water, and clothing, he not only provided immediate assistance but also used the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with locals and government officials. This gesture demonstrated their genuine concern for the welfare of marginalized communities and their dedication to understanding the complex challenges faced by those directly affected.

Juan-Pablo's presence at the border allowed him to gather firsthand experiences and insights, which he shared with empathy and passion during his campaign. This authentic engagement resonated with individuals from various political affiliations, leading to widespread support for their independent ticket. Their ability to bridge political divides and garner support from all sides of the political spectrum illustrated the strength of their message and the genuine appeal of their inclusive approach. Despite ultimately falling short in the election, Juan-Pablo and Dushon left an indelible mark by challenging the conventional boundaries of political discourse and fostering a sense of unity and empathy within the public sphere.

Juan-Pablo has been happily married to his wife, Yamileth, since 1988. They have built a loving family together, which includes their son Alexis, born in 1993, who follows in his father's footsteps as an immigration lawyer. Their daughter Isabella, born in 1997, pursued dentistry and holds a degree from Columbia University. Completing the family is their youngest daughter, Martina, born in 2003, who excels in collegiate volleyball at Louisiana State University.