Meet H. Puentes

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful H. Puentes. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with H. below.

Hi H., we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

I’ve developed my confidence and self-esteem by intentionally surrounding myself with individuals who exemplify excellence in their fields while maintaining a grounded humility. One of the most pivotal experiences in this journey was co-founding San Diego Squared with Bill Rastetter, a legendary biotech executive. Bill’s companies have transformed the landscape of human health, saved millions of lives, and created over $100 billion in value through their innovative therapeutics. Working alongside him offered me a front-row seat to the impact that true excellence can have on the world.

Through this partnership, I not only absorbed invaluable lessons from Bill’s wealth of experience, but I also contributed to expanding his work within the community. As an expert in my field, I had the opportunity to influence and drive initiatives that aligned with our shared vision. Watching leaders in Bill’s network, people of incredible stature and influence, learn and grow from my leadership was a turning point for me. It reinforced my belief that I, too, have something valuable to offer in rooms and spaces of power.

This experience, along with the support of my broader network, has been crucial in building my self-esteem. The mutual exchange of ideas and growth, individually and as a team, has consistently affirmed that I belong in these circles. My confidence stems from knowing that I am part of a community that values excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement and that I, too, can make a meaningful impact in the most influential spaces.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

Hey there! I’m H., the Co-Founder, President, and CEO of San Diego Squared (SD2.org), a nonprofit on a mission to shake up the STEM world by making it more diverse and inclusive. We’re all about connecting underrepresented communities with the awesome opportunities in tech and life sciences. Think of us as the bridge between bright students and the amazing careers they dream of. We’re not just helping them get a foot in the door; we’re handing them the keys and cheering them on as they take off!

Before SD2, I was busy founding CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center with CONNECT, San Diego’s very first diversity-focused startup accelerator. It was a wild ride, and I’m proud to say we raised nearly $10 million to make sure everyone, no matter their background, gets a shot at contributing to and thriving in tech and life sciences.

I’ve had quite the adventure myself—marketing for a venture-backed startup in the Bay Area, consulting in London, and leading a regional team for an international nonprofit. Each step gave me a fresh perspective on how to turn big ideas into real change.

When I’m not working, you can find me dabbling in art or spending time with my fantastic kids, Emily and Owen. My wife, Dr. Roisin Puentes, is a PharmD and PhD powerhouse who keeps our family grounded with her amazing blend of smarts and grace. Whether I’m at home or in the office, I’m always inspired by the magic that happens when diversity, creativity, and collaboration come together to make the world a better place.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Reflecting on my journey, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge have been:

Empathy and Human Connection: Building genuine relationships and understanding diverse perspectives have been key in driving my work. Whether it’s through SD2 or CONNECT ALL, understanding the unique challenges faced by underrepresented communities has helped me tailor our programs to make a real impact. My advice for those early in their journey is to actively listen and seek to understand others’ experiences. Cultivating empathy can open doors to meaningful connections and insights that drive positive change.

Innovative Problem-Solving: My career has required me to think creatively and tackle complex challenges, from bridging gaps in STEM opportunities to scaling programs nationally. Embracing an innovative mindset—where you see obstacles as opportunities for creative solutions—can set you apart. For newcomers, I recommend staying curious and open to new ideas. Challenge yourself to think outside the box and don’t be afraid to experiment with different approaches.

Strategic Networking and Social Capital: Leveraging networks and building strategic partnerships have been crucial in expanding the reach and effectiveness of my initiatives. Connecting with the right people and creating mutually beneficial relationships has amplified our impact significantly. My advice is to actively engage with your industry, attend events, and seek out mentors. Building and nurturing a strong network can provide valuable support, resources, and opportunities.

For anyone starting their journey, focusing on these areas can not only enhance your personal and professional growth but also help you make a more significant impact in your field. Embrace empathy, be innovative, and build a robust network to pave the way for success and meaningful contributions.

Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?

Over the past 12 months, my biggest area of growth has been building confidence in spaces and rooms of power as an executive. As I continue to navigate my role, I’ve realized the importance of owning my expertise and recognizing the value I bring to the table, especially in the context of my work at SD2.

In these environments, I often find myself surrounded by highly successful executives, each accomplished in their respective fields. However, I’ve come to understand that while they are experts in their spaces, I am the expert in mine. The work we do at SD2, fostering equity and creating pathways for diverse talent in STEM, is not just important—it’s vital. My confidence has grown from the recognition that our mission stands toe to toe with the achievements of others in these rooms.

This realization has empowered me to speak up with authority, share my vision without hesitation, and engage in conversations with the understanding that my perspective is not only valid but necessary. It’s been about shifting from viewing myself as a participant in these spaces to seeing myself as a leader who brings unique and critical insights to the table.

This growth in confidence has also had a ripple effect, enabling me to advocate more effectively for our work, secure greater resources, and expand our impact. It’s a journey of continually reminding myself that my work is as valuable as anyone else’s, and that belief has transformed how I show up in every interaction.

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