Synergy Spotlight: Meet Juan Campos Collazo, Community Specialist
Juan Campos Callazo has been with RCAP Solutions since 2002, making him one of the most senior employees at the organization. But it’s not just Juan’s seniority that makes him an extremely valuable addition to our Community & Environmental Resources division; it’s his unyielding dedication to serving rural communities in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – steadfast, for over 22 years.
Before joining RCAP Solutions, Juan worked in the Drinking Water Program at the Puerto Rico Department of Health for 14 years. As a former employee of the Department of Health, Juan developed many lasting relationships with rural communities and their drinking water systems’ staff, which carried over when he joined RCAP Solutions.
Ever since he was young, Juan knew he wanted to be involved in the engineering field and he wanted to help others, therefore he decided to pursue civil engineering. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering with a concentration in water resources from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico. In addition, Juan is a certified drinking water and wastewater operator, and is a member of the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico.
Juan truly finds fulfilment from his work, mainly because he is able to make a difference for people and their communities, ensuring they have safe drinking water and sanitary wastewater disposal. He noted, “I care first about people, which is why I decided to become an engineer and make a difference. I consider myself as an instrument to improve the quality of life of other people and feel that I am fulfilling my life too at another level. For me, respect and responsibility are important values and my performance as a professional and as a human being is based on both.”
Juan’s contributions were noted by Josefa Torres-Olivo, Regional Director (PR/USVI), who said, “Juan is a great human being that I have known since university. He is a person who transmits and gives serenity, he is calm but with a lot of commitment and dedication as technical assistance provider to rural communities, as well as a deacon of the church. It is an honor to know and work with Juan for so many years.”
Juan truly took his commitment to the next level when he became ordained as a Deacon in December 2023. This process, which took 4 years of studious work to complete, began when he was nominated by his parish that he is so deeply involved with.
This accomplishment changed Juan’s life. He stated, “Being a Deacon of the Catholic Church is first a great blessing, and a great responsibility too. I now serve the church through service to people with baptisms, funerals, visits to the elderly and sick people, Celebration of the Liturgy, and assisting the Priest at Mass. It has changed my life in all aspects, has made me more aware of the presence of God, how my family has contributed to this process, how the community with their prayers has given me the strength to complete the ordination, I’m more sensitive to the needs of others, and I have learned to be more patient and tolerant with others and myself.”
Whether it is through his work at RCAP Solutions or at his church, Juan is a person that people look to for guidance and support, and he is happy to give it.
Mark Johnson, Director of Community & Environmental Resources, added, “Juan’s positive attitude and infectious smile is immediately apparent to anyone in his presence. His concern for fellow employees and the communities he has been serving for decades is remarkable. He listens with intent, one of the many skills that makes him a successful technical assistance provider. Juan is a valuable member of the RCAP Solutions team, a trusted member of the community, and a leader by example.”
Fun Facts About Juan:
- Hometown: Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Favorite Book: Chicken Soup for the Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Amy Newmark
- Favorite Movie: Ladyhawke directed by Richard Donner
- Favorite Sports Teams: New York Yankees, Boston Celtics, Leones de Ponce (baseball & basketball)
- Favorite Song: Can’t Fight This Feeling by REO Speedwagon
- Historical Figure he’d Like to Meet: Jesus Christ
- Places He’d Like to Travel to: France, Spain, and Italy