For Solis, helping others discover their potential feels like a natural extension of what Cal Poly Humboldt helped him discover in himself.
"Humboldt emphasizes the changes you can make locally," Solis says. "I learned that organizing, advocacy, and policy work really were the most impactful when they were used to impact your own community."
That lesson became the foundation of his career.
After graduating, Solis returned to his hometown of San Francisco, where he worked in elementary schools and community organizations serving Latino families before moving into nonprofit leadership.
Today, he leads Enterprise for Youth, a 56-year-old organization that prepares young people—especially those from historically underrepresented communities—for future careers through paid internships and professional development.
"We strongly believe that young people should have access to jobs and careers at an early age. This experience can give them valuable insights as they consider their interests while preparing for college and planning for their future," Solis says.
Solis didn't originally plan to attend Humboldt. A college fair, encouragement from a high school counselor, and a Spring Preview visit convinced him to head north. Living far from home felt like the perfect adventure. Solis, who came from a diverse urban neighborhood, found something even more meaningful.
Humboldt challenged his assumptions by introducing him to people and perspectives he had never encountered before. That experience taught him how to build relationships across different backgrounds while staying connected to his own identity.
"I learned how to build community and connections," he says. "You never know who will be a friend and an ally. But there's also a real importance of staying connected to who you are and where you come from."
Much of that learning happened outside the classroom. Solis immersed himself in campus life, organizing with student groups, attending hip-hop events, throwing shows, learning disc golf, working campus jobs, and exploring the forests surrounding Arcata.
"The most value I got out of my experience was all of the things outside of the classroom," he says.
Still, his coursework left a lasting impression. The Ethnic Studies program introduced ideas about community, policy, and equity that would later become central to national conversations.
Even today, Humboldt continues to influence his life in unexpected ways. A friendship that began during his first week in the residence halls introduced him to DJing. What started as spinning records with friends at local venues has grown into performances at community events across the Bay Area and at the Forever Humboldt at the San Francisco Giants game, where he performs as DJ Guapi with the Sazon Libre DJ collective.
For Solis, music has become a means of strengthening communities. Many of his events have helped raise funds for organizations that support migrant families, youth programs, and other local causes.
Looking back, he believes every young person can benefit from stepping outside their comfort zone.
"I think everybody should have the experience of living in a place like Arcata. Find where you're comfortable, find where you're challenged in a safe way,” Solis says.
That balance of challenge, community, and discovery continues to guide both his personal life and professional leadership.
"Humboldt taught me you're going to find your people," Solis says. "Discussion and dialogue are really important. And I met some really cool people that, had I not been open to meeting them, I would not have these people in my life."