Jose Quezada

Dr. José Quezada is a Marine Corps veteran, leadership expert, educator, and founder of Equilibrio Leadership, a national initiative dedicated to equipping young people with the leadership, emotional intelligence, and life skills they need to thrive long after graduation.

After serving more than two decades as a United States Marine Corps officer, Dr. Quezada retired as a Captain following a career that included leading Marines in combat and overseas assignments. Throughout his military service, he developed leaders in some of the world's most demanding environments, an experience that continues to shape his philosophy of leadership today.

Following his military career, Dr. Quezada devoted himself to developing the next generation. As a Senior Marine Instructor, former university professor, and doctoral-level leadership educator, he has taught and mentored thousands of students, cadets, and young leaders. Under his leadership, his students have earned millions of dollars in academic and military scholarships while developing the confidence, discipline, and character needed to succeed in college, the military, and life.

Dr. Quezada holds a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Innovation, along with master's degrees in Business Management, Public Agency Leadership, Political Science, and International Relations with a concentration in Conflict Analysis and Resolution. His academic work, combined with decades of military leadership and educational experience, has given him a unique perspective on how people develop resilience, identity, purpose, and the capacity to lead others.

He is the author of Wired to Lead, creator of the 37-Week Wired to Lead Journal Curriculum, and founder of the Equilibrio Leadership platform, an online community designed to help students, parents, educators, and JROTC programs build stronger leaders through neuroscience, emotional intelligence, leadership development, career readiness, and intentional self-discovery. His work integrates the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and leadership into practical tools that students can apply every day.

Dr. Quezada also serves as President and CEO of Quezada Family Charities, a nonprofit organization committed to expanding educational opportunities and supporting families in need through scholarships, community outreach, and annual holiday initiatives.

Whether speaking to a classroom of freshmen, mentoring JROTC cadets, or addressing audiences across the country, Dr. Quezada's mission remains the same: to help young people discover who they are, develop who they can become, and build lives of purpose, resilience, and service.