Juan K Wilson Jr

BIOGRAPHY

Juan K. Wilson Jr. is a Providence native and first-generation philanthropist known for his strategic partnerships, disruptive creativity, and system building mindset across the entertainment, tech, nonprofit, and design industries. A former graphic designer turned experiential marketer, Juan launched his career as a concert promoter in 1996, introducing acts like Jay Z and Soulja Boy to the Providence market in their early days.Over the decades, Juan evolved into a branding and grassroots marketing expert, developing campaigns for major companies and institutions including Toyota Motor Corporation (Scion division), Universal Records, Atlantic Records, InMusic/Akai Pro, CBS Broadcasting, and the City of Providence. His reputation for connecting culture, community, and commerce has led to impactful collaborations with genre-defying artists like araabMUZIK and Raiche.Today, Juan is the founder and executive director of The MUSE Foundation of Rhode Island, a nonprofit focused on cultivating creativity and innovation in communities of color through philanthropy and cultural investment. Under his leadership, MUSE has led groundbreaking efforts such as making Juneteenth a paid state holiday in Rhode Island, establishing Rhode Island Black Philanthropy Month, and launching major community initiatives like Taste of Juneteenth New England and the MSVL Bridge Sunset Concert Series™️.Juan has hosted an annual toy drive on his birthday for more than 25 years. He is also co-founded #TURNUPRI, a biannual youth leadership summit, and later launched YESpvd! (Youth Empowerment Society), a year-round skills, entrepreneurship and scholarship program. Together, these youth centered initiatives have reached over 2500 students, mentors, and volunteers across Providence County and statewide since 2015.Known for brokering innovative deals and developing scalable systems, Juan currently serves as a consultant to businesses and nonprofits, helping them navigate strategic planning, brand building, and tech-forward solutions. His work centers on legacy building, social impact, and democratizing access to philanthropy, especially within Black, Indigenous, and marginalized communities.He actively sits on advisory boards for the United Way of Rhode Island, Brown University Swearer Center, Rhode Island Foundation Equity Division, Hope & Main, and Providence Public Library, bringing equity centered innovation to the forefront of each institution.