Jackson Elizondo’s path to Judge started when he went to Saint Ambrose and Cosgriff. He liked the diverse student body and religious environment, leadership opportunities, sports programs, and the challenging academic environment that prepared him for college.
“I actually give a lot of credit to who I am, professionally, personally and spiritually to Judge,” he said.
He attended Judge from 2007 to 2011 and fondly remembers teachers like Dr. Stephanie Atherton and Mrs. Linda Simpson, and coaches Dave McMillan, Maddie Mulick, and Dr. Sloan. He participated in cross country, swimming, lacrosse, and various arts. Elizondo credits Judge for his professional and personal growth, highlighting its diverse environment and leadership opportunities.
After high school he studied engineering at Boston University and served in the Air Force, working on F-35 engines. Post-Air Force, he transitioned to financial planning, finding it more fulfilling. He now supports charities like the Boys & Girls Club and organizes the annual Major Brandon Ueki Run for mental health awareness.
He reflected on his time at Judge in a positive way, and it helped him become who he is today. Judge helped him build a competitive resumé that helped him get into Boston University. Then Elizondo took the ROTC pathway through the Air Force, because he loved math and science he went into the engineering field.
He started working on F-35 engines when he was only 23 and enjoyed his job saying “I was the test and validation lead engineer, which was awesome, because that just meant that we burnt burned jet fuel.” He enjoyed his time in the Air Force because of the exciting things he got to do.
After the Air Force he got his financial planning certificate, which was what he truly enjoyed.
“I really like working face to face with families and people that want to be helped and reach their long term financial goals. It’s very rewarding.”
Elizondo supports various charities and foundations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Western Pennsylvania and the Malone Family Foundation, which focuses on veteran and first responder mental health.
He is passionate about military mental health, inspired by the loss of his mentor, Major Brandon Ueki, to suicide. Elizondo organizes an annual run in honor of Major Ueki, raising funds for NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
“Last year we raised just under $20,000 for NAMI. Then through that program I was introduced to Ryan Bugsy Malone, a former Pittsburgh Penguins player. He’s the chair of the Penguins Alumni Association and a board member of the NHL Alumni Association, and I was able to join his foundation called the Malone Family Foundation.”
He cites his parents and his upbringing as crucial to his support of these charities. “My parents always encouraged us that it doesn’t matter how much you have or how little you have, you can always give back.”
Elizondo also discussed his long-term commitment to running. He mentioned his involvement in other sports like swimming and lacrosse, but he prefers running for its community aspect. He highlighted the strong running communities in Pittsburgh and Dayton where he has formed lasting friendships.
Elizondo has lived in Pittsburgh for six and a half years. He prefers Pittsburgh over other cities like Boston, because of its mix of urban amenities and outdoor accessibility. He cited running in Frick Park, which is 10 minutes away from his house, as an example of outdoor activity. As he put it “You can’t see a house, you don’t hear a car, you don’t see anything. You would never know that you’re in the city.”
Elizondo also reflected on the importance of prioritizing good people in one’s life, a lesson he wishes he had learned earlier. He expressed gratitude to his high school friends saying “the 10 people that I have around me today from Judge are phenomenal and they’re lifetime friends.”
He advised current students to find and maintain strong friendships, as these relationships are invaluable.
