Giovanni Negron

“Success used to mean recognition and awards. Now, it means peace. It is waking up knowing I am living in alignment with my purpose."

Reading High 2017 graduate and senior class president, Giovanni Negron, now owner and CEO of Go Inspire Others, LLC, is also a marathon runner and writer. During his years at Reading High School, Giovanni experienced moments that inspired him to become the successful man he is today. One of these memories is him standing on stage at graduation as senior class president, looking out at all his classmates and realizing how much they have all overcome. “Many of us came from humble beginnings, and that moment reminded me that where you start does not define where you finish. That memory continues to inspire me to keep pushing forward and to never forget where I came from.” His leadership experiences at Reading High played an important role in shaping who he would become. Giovanni explains that being president of his class taught him that leadership was not about titles, it was about service. He says, “I learned the importance of listening, taking responsibility, and leading by example even when it was uncomfortable.” These lessons helped him bring people together toward a shared goal, even when they all had different opinions or backgrounds. Those early leadership experiences prepared him for his future roles, not only as business owner, writer, and speaker, but also in his professional career. “Whether it is running my business or speaking on a TEDx stage, those same leadership lessons like integrity, empathy, and perseverance still guide me today.” 

Another important part of his high school journey was being part of the German-American Exchange Program. Giovanni shares, “The exchange program opened my eyes to how big the world really is. It taught me to embrace different cultures, perspectives, and ways of living. It also showed me that growth never happens inside your comfort zone.” He also learned to say yes to new experiences, even when they scared him. Indeed, as an adult, he wishes he could tell his 17-year-old self, “Stop trying to prove yourself. You are already enough. Trust your timing and stay focused on who you are becoming, not who you are trying to impress.” Despite facing personal challenges, Giovanni remained focused during high school. He wanted to break the circle and he knew that education was his way out. “Every award was a reminder that my hard work meant something,” he says. “Not just for me, but for my family, too.” When reflecting on what helped him push through the difficult moments during high school, Giovanni credits his faith, his family, and the teachers who refused to let him give up. “There were moments I wanted to give up, but I kept reminding myself that my situation was temporary,” he admits. He hopes today’s students understand that same truth, and his message to them is heartfelt and direct: “Do not let your environment limit your vision. You might not have everything, but you have enough to start.” Giovanni believes that with support, self-belief, and the willingness to take the first step, any student can rise above their circumstances and create a future they are proud of.

After graduating from Reading High, Giovanni earned his bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies and his master’s degree in Student Affairs in Higher Education from Kutztown University. Today, he works as a Career Development Specialist at Texas A&M University, where he supports undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students on their academic and professional journeys. “What I love most is seeing the moment they realize their potential and start believing in themselves.” Giovanni explains that his own story helps him connect deeply with students. “I have been there. I understand what it feels like to start from nothing and still chase something greater. That connection helps me coach with empathy and honesty.”

Beyond his professional job in higher education, another major part of Giovanni’s journey was founding his company, Go Inspire Others, LLC. A creative reverse-acronym derived from his name, the foundation’s mission is to empower children with independence, gratitude, and generosity, encouraging them to make a difference in their communities through initiatives such as community, food, clothing, and toy drives, as well as educational programs like GIO University, which promotes financial literacy and real-world skills. It also provides scholarships designed to grow over time and help recipients achieve long-term success. Through his foundation, Giovanni has transformed his personal message into meaningful action. “I wanted to build something that represented hope, growth, and authenticity. Go Inspire Others started as a message and grew into a movement." As CEO, Giovanni shares that the most rewarding part of running his own business is hearing from people whose lives have changed because of his talks or writing, “The most rewarding part is seeing the impact, when someone messages me saying my talk changed their mindset or gave them hope.” At the same time, he admits that keeping busy when life slows down can be challenging. “It tests your patience and faith, but it always reminds me why I started.”  For him, Go Inspire Others means to use your story, struggles, and successes to lift others up. “It is not about being perfect or having it all together,” he shares, “it is about showing up authentically and helping others believe they can do it, too.” Giovanni has  delivered messages of resilience and self-belief on major platforms, including NASPA and TEDxTAMU. No matter the stage, his message to young people remains the same: “They are enough. I want young people to know they do not have to have it all figured out to make a difference.Their story, as it is right now, has value. I speak to remind them that the marathon they are running is worth it.”

Speaking of marathons, his journey as a marathon runner is also deeply connected to his time at Reading High. Giovanni believes those years built the foundation for the mental strength and endurance he carries with him on every run. “Reading High taught me resilience,” he explains. “It taught me to show up even when I did not feel ready.” Another important part of Giovanni’s journey is his physical transformation, which was rooted in a desire for, overall, wellness. “I was tired of feeling trapped in my own body,” he shares. “I wanted to feel better, not just look better.” Giovanni explains that the most difficult part was not the physical change, but unlearning the habits and mindset that led him there. “It took discipline, patience, and a lot of self-compassion.” Today, he maintains his wellness by focusing on balance, staying active, eating better, resting, and regularly checking in with himself emotionally. Giovanni believes it is important to share this journey with others because transformation is deeper than appearance. “It is not just physical; it is mental and spiritual, too.”

In addition to running marathons and speaking on stages, Giovanni found other ways to share his message and connect with others. He has his own podcast, The GIO EFFECT, with the goal of creating something positive for students who feel unseen or unheard. He shares, “In high school, the podcast helped me find my own voice and realize that my story mattered. Over time, it has evolved into something deeper. It is not just about motivation anymore: it is about being real, honest, and sharing what it actually takes to grow.” In addition to broadcasting, he is also an author. Giovanni has turned his life lessons into two books filled with words of encouragement. “Writing forced me to face parts of my story I had not dealt with. It reminded me that vulnerability is strength.” His first book, Passion, Purpose, and the Pursuit of Happiness, reflects on finding meaning and rebuilding passions after pain. His second book, Half the Man I Was: How I lost 200 lbs in a Year, shows not only his physical transformation, but also his emotional and mental growth. He talks about what he expects for the readers: “I hope readers walk away believing they can rebuild, redefine, and rise no matter what they have been through.”

Looking back, his definition of success has evolved. “Success used to mean recognition and awards” he says, “Now, it means peace. It is waking up knowing I am living in alignment with my purpose.” Through every chapter, whether that is student, leader, author, runner, or speaker, his message remains constant: “Start where you are, believe in yourself, and never stop inspiring others.” When asked how students can begin building a purpose-driven life of their own, Giovanni encourages them to start with self-awareness. “Ask yourself what brings you peace, what excites you, and what impact you want to make. Then take one small step toward it. You do not need to have the full plan–just start moving!”