Josue De Paz

Josue De Paz is co-founder and CEO of First Tech Fund (FTF), a 501(C)3 nonprofit working to supercharge career and college access for low-income students based in New York City.

Founded in 2020 during the height of the pandemic, FTF has served over 500 students, helping students gain access to full ride scholarships, gain acceptances to elite schools across the country, and its workforce programs have helped students land in careers within tech, finance, climate, and more. In addition to his role at FTF, he was also named a 2024 Chime Changemaker, was a 2022 Obama Scholar at Columbia University, and has been recognized locally and nationally for his work in the philanthropic sector.

In April 2025, Josue will be recognized as the inaugural winner of the Outstanding Young Alumni Award at Santa Clara University, the first awardee in the history of the university. Josue is a former DACA recipient based in Brooklyn, NY and lives with his wife and their dog.