Nathaniel Tavarez

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Nathaniel Tavarez (Keynote Speaker, Trainer, and Advocate)

  1. During which years were you an active member of BPA?
    I was an active member of BPA from 2015 as a freshman at Goddard High School to 2023 as a fourth-year student at Texas Tech University. During my time in high school, I had the honor of serving as the 2016-17 Goddard BPA treasurer, two terms as the 2017-19 Goddard BPA chapter president, and two terms as a New Mexico BPA state officer, with the 2017-18 term as middle school ambassador and the 2018-19 term as the vice president of membership. 

  2. What was your most memorable moment or achievement during your time in BPA, and why does it stand out to you?
    My most memorable achievement during my eight years as a BPA member alternates between my time serving as a New Mexico state officer and the time I achieved first place in entrepreneurship at the 2021 National Leadership Conference. These moments stand out to me because I have always been the kind of guy who questions himself and second guesses what he is capable of achieving. After being elected as a state officer and awarded as a first place national champion, I was able to see more of what I am capable of and what monumental achievements I can work towards moving forward. 

  3. Can you share your current profession and how your experience with BPA shaped your career path?
    Initially, my goal was to become a pediatric trauma surgeon as it felt like that's where my calling was due to previous life experiences. However, BPA prepared me for my true calling. That said, my current profession is a keynote speaker, trainer, and advocate specializing in gun violence prevention, mental wellness, and leadership development. Under my own company, Nathaniel Speaks, I work with schools, churches, and organizations to address the root causes of gun violence, focusing on mental wellness as a primary preventive measure. Through my messages, I share my personal story as a school shooting survivor and provide tools to maximize safety measures alongside fostering resilience and emotional well-being in communities. Additionally, I have the honor of working with TEAMTRI Global where I train individuals and teams in leadership development, helping them build skills for positive change in their own environments where together, we can bring light to dark places.

  4. In what ways did your involvement in BPA help prepare you for your future? Are there specific skills or experiences that have been particularly valuable?
    My involvement in BPA was a critical turning point in developing me into the leader I needed to be while kicking off my career straight out of high school. Back when I first became a member, I was TERRIFIED of speaking in front of people to the point where speaking to a class of 20 students to present my project was horrifying. It was even difficult for me to make friends for a long duration of time as I was significantly shy and always worried of what to say next in the conversation in fear of the awkward silence. When I gave my first speech while running for state office, I nearly fainted. Today, my career is all about speaking in front of large audiences and the largest crowd I have spoken in front of as of now is 62,000 people. The confidence I have in myself up to this point in my life is all thanks to BPA!

  5. In what ways do you continue to stay connected with BPA, and how has your involvement evolved since graduating?
    To stay involved with BPA, I love coming back to judge competitive events, serve in various support capacities, along with speaking and training at BPA conferences. It is also a priority of mine to stay connected with all of the amazing people I worked with during my time in BPA as they were a big part of my leadership development journey from the start. 

  6. What advice or words of wisdom would you offer to current BPA members who are looking to make the most of their experience and prepare for their futures?
    To all current BPA members, as you navigate through middle school, high school, and college, I encourage you to believe in yourselves and remember that each of you is on a unique journey. No matter where you are right now, whether you’re leading a project, learning new skills, or facing challenges, know that every experience is shaping you into the person and leader you’re becoming. The road ahead will have both successes and setbacks, but it’s not the outcome of these experiences that defines you. It’s how you respond to them. When things go well, take time to celebrate your growth. And when things get tough, remember that even the hardest moments have value. They teach you resilience, patience, and problem-solving skills that will serve you far beyond your time in BPA.

    BPA is a place where you can build not only professional skills but also friendships, networks, and leadership qualities that will prepare you for whatever path you choose in the future. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn, to connect, and to grow. Use your time in BPA to challenge yourself and support those around you. Lead by example, and remember that leaders are defined not by their titles, but by their actions, character, and ability to make a positive impact on others. So, believe in your potential. Trust in your journey, and know that you have the strength to face anything that comes your way. Your experiences here, both the wins and the struggles, are equipping you with everything you need to create a bright and impactful future.

    Lastly, never forget to pause and Capture the Moment along the way as the memories you make in BPA will last forever!