Salsa 29 Productions was officially founded by Julio Barrenzuela. He was born in Lima, Peru and moved to Springfield, Illinois when he was nine years old. After graduating high school, Julio joined the U.S. Navy and traveled the world. Later, he attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, earning a degree in marketing with a specialization in intercultural communications. Upon graduation, Julio returned to Springfield and founded Salsa 29 Productions in September 2008. He was one of ten finalists for the State Journal Register's First Citizen Award, nominated for his efforts to shatter the barriers of underrepresented groups, particularly youths, older adults, and people with disabilities. Julio was also proclaimed as the Salsa Ambassador by the mayor of Springfield, Illinois. Now, he focuses on replicating the effects of his program in other communities.