I tell the truth, even when it is uncomfortable
I believe you have to be honest, consistent and competent. I would rather say something uncomfortable in time than keep it to myself.
Right now: empowering young people at Plusers and training in leadership and government at ISSEP
Spain · Europe · The world
Jesús Fernández Prieto
I have lived on both sides of almost everything: social work and business, public and private, the developed world and the one still developing. I work to help them understand each other.
In European projects since 2017. Trainer, consultant and entrepreneur. I say what I think even when it is not welcome, and I keep learning.
SpainIrelandItalyTurkeyFranceRomaniaPolandCzechiaHungaryGermanyUnited KingdomDenmarkSwedenFinlandLatviaSloveniaBulgariaGreeceArmeniaUnited Arab EmiratesEgyptMoroccoMauritaniaUgandaChinaLaosThailandMalaysiaSingaporeMexicoDominican RepublicArgentina
About me
I learned by moving
I grew up in Madrid, in social housing, and studied on both sides: religious and state-subsidised schools, public secondary school, vocational training and university, and a business school. In 2017, aged nineteen, an internship in Cork opened Europe up to me: then came Italy, Gaziantep, Bordeaux, Poland and over 35 countries.
Today I run Plusers, where I work for young people's development, train youth workers and work with UPlanet on international cooperation. Along the way I built companies, made mistakes and learned to look at both sides of everything.
- In European projects
- Since 2017
- European funds managed
- €500,000+
- Countries visited
- 35+
- Recognition
- Erasmus+ Ambassador 2026, SEPIE (Spain)
- Civic leadership
- Rotary, 2020 to 2024: president of a Rotaract club (2021–22), then a member of the eClub del Mediterráneo
Why I work
I work to help people understand each other
So that people with different outlooks empathise, understand each other and focus on what matters: being happy, living well and having a purpose. That takes three kinds of quality, and none is enough on its own.
01
Material quality
What we need to live well: resources, opportunities and infrastructure. It is what I move with European funds and with UPlanet, from the Bir Moghrein garden to Plusers' projects.
See projects 02Social quality
Who we live with: community, coexistence and people who understand each other even when they think differently. It is what happens at a youth exchange.
See training 03Spiritual quality
What we live for: meaning, purpose and being at peace with ourselves. It is what I promote with MindUp Plus, my new emotional well-being project, and in coaching and well-being courses.
Discover MindUp PlusDiscover the project
Plusers
The consultancy through which I work for young people's development: I help associations, schools and local councils design, submit and manage European projects.
Projects
What I am working on
Plusers
My main goal at Plusers is young people's development. Through the consultancy I help associations, schools and local councils design, submit and manage European youth projects.
Discover Plusers
UPlanet
I co-founded UPlanet in 2020. Today it is an international cooperation NGO that builds infrastructure with local communities. In Mauritania we work on Sahara Haya, a drip-irrigated vegetable garden in Bir Moghrein.
Discover UPlanet
International trainer
I design and facilitate training courses and exchanges for young people and youth workers, in person and hybrid.
See how I work Emotional well-being · New projectMindUp Plus
My new project: an association that promotes the emotional and psychological well-being of young people aged 18 to 35 through experiential workshops, mindfulness and European projects. It is not therapy: these are tools you learn and practise.
Discover MindUp Plus
Clappin' Plus
A youth association that uses music, art and culture to help young people gain confidence and a voice. Co-founded in 2024.
Discover Clappin' Plus
Iuvenis Sport Plus
A Madrid association that uses sport to empower young people. Co-founded in 2024.
Discover Iuvenis Sport Plus
Trip2gether
Travel with Aina: private guided tours of Madrid and nearby towns, and group trips for couples.
Discover Trip2getherMap
From Madrid to Mauritania
Nineteen journeys between 2017 and 2026, across Europe, Asia and Africa. Press the button and follow the route stage by stage.
2015 – todayMadrid is where it starts and where I come back to.
Swipe the map sidewaysMoments
Where it really happens
How I think
Honest, consistent and on the move
Nothing is as good, or as bad, as it seems
I have lived in working-class neighbourhoods and in the private sector. I understand both left and right, and I look for where each is right and where each is wrong. That has earned me friction with every side.
I learn by doing
I learned languages, marketing and European projects by working, getting things wrong and starting again. I still do: right now I am studying a Master's in Government and Leadership.
Podcast
Lo que NO sabías de Erasmus+
My podcast with Plusers, on Spotify. I also post videos and webinars on my YouTube channel.
In the media
What has been said
“Beyond the Label”, the Erasmus+ youth exchange on food allergy I worked on with AEPNAA in Almuñécar (September 2026), was covered in the press and on radio.
Newspaper23 Sept 2026
La Opinión de Málaga
The 24 young people with food allergies who came to Almuñécar from Spain, Italy, Iceland and France.
Read the article
Radio2026
RNE · A golpe de bit
Spanish National Radio's programme covers the exchange from minute 15:50.
Listen (min. 15:50)
Report29 Sept 2026
AEPNAA
The association's report: workshops on autonomy and safety, a recipe book, a travel guide and a digital campaign.
Read the report
Contact
Let's talk
If you lead a team, an organisation or a project and think I can help, tell me here. I reply myself.