John Ávila  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart   

Hometown: Dallas, Texas  

School: The University of Texas at Dallas  

Major: Information Technology  

Placement: Office of Rep. Vicente Gonzalez 

John Ávila was born and raised in Dallas, Texas, one of the largest Latino cities in the state. As a proud deaf and first-generation college student, John draws inspiration from his mother, who worked tirelessly to provide for him and his siblings. Her resilience shaped his strong sense of advocacy and passion for uplifting underserved communities.  

John began his college journey at Dallas College North Lake Campus, where he received several recognitions, including Student of the Year, and delivered a commencement address. He is now studying at The University of Texas at Dallas, majoring in Information Technology (Computer Information Systems and Technology). His academic interests are rooted in cybersecurity, and he aspires to build a career that bridges technology and public service.   

Throughout his college years, John has been actively involved in leadership and internship programs centered on Disability Justice, accessibility, and equity. In the summer of 2025, he interned with Deaf Action Center, a DFW-based nonprofit serving the Deaf community, where he supported staff and clients with their IT and technological needs. He aims to use his lived experience to break systemic barriers and advocate for inclusive policies and systems in tech and beyond. 

While serving as a Congressional Intern in Washington, D.C., John looks forward to strengthening his understanding of public policy and exploring ways to combine his technical background with civic engagement. Ultimately, he aims to create meaningful change for future generations.