Mig Ponce
Astronomical tour guide, tech & AI enthusiast, small dog lover
astronomy 💙 tech 💙 science 💙 AI 💙 music 💙
architecture & design 💙 arts & entertainment 💙
nature & outdoors 💙vintage things 💙 dogs 💙
🏠 Las Vegas, Nevada
Contact me
Greatest Hits
Stuff I'm into
Astronomy
My fascination with astronomy began when I was eight years old and continues to this day, where I'm now the President of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society and have my own small business leading dark sky astrotours in Southern Nevada.
When I was eight, my grandmother got me a subscription to a children's astronomy magazine and I was bitten by the bug. At age 10, I had a letter published in it and had my first telescope. By middle school, I had a "real" telescope that was as tall as I was and was hosting "star parties" for other schoolkids and parents.
To this day, I love getting out under the night sky with a telescope whenever possible, and sharing the fun and wonderment of this with others.
Science
Growing up, one of my earliest childhood memories was of my father (a civil engineer and later a professor) doing experiments with me from a kid's chemistry set. I carried this love through high school AP classes, then into college and beyond— working as a research/field botanist for my first few years after college. I still love all things science: biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, geology, botany… you name it. Books about any sort of science are my favorite and I can never get enough.
Music
Where do I begin? It's my constant companion and soundtrack to life's adventures. It evokes emotions and memories that shape my world.
New wave - Britpop - Northern Soul - Mod - 70s Punk - 60s Garage - Glam Rock & Junk Shop - Power Pop - Madchester - Frenchpop & Yé-Yé - Vaporwave - Old School Hip Hop - Disco - Freakbeat - Freestyle - Indie - Neo-psych - Indie - Goth - Funk - Turntablism - Soul - Lounge & Exotica
Perennial favorites: No Doubt; Jellyfish; Serge Gainsbourg; King Gizzard; Fishbone; The Clash; Simple Minds; Lyrics Born; Polyphonic Spree; Redd Kross; Oingo Boingo; Ween; The Go! Team; Esquivel; Love; Air; Sex Pistols; The Damned; ELO; The Jam; Sparks
…and documentaries or biographies about any of the above.
Arts & Entertainment
I’ve always had a deep appreciation for the arts, from visual and performing arts to live entertainment. I’ve been peripherally involved in cabaret show production for years, giving me a front-row seat seeing creativity and expression. I love supporting local and independent artists and have filled my home with art pieces that bring me joy. Whether it's a small theater show, gallery, one-of-a-kind art piece, or full performance, I’m always eager to celebrate creative expression.
Vintage things
I'm drawn to all things retro, especially midcentury/'50s through the '80s. I love the bold colors, playful optimistic designs, and craftsmanship of that era: vintage toys; classic advertisements; funky furniture; music styles; cars and homes. Each is a time capsule telling a story about the culture and creativity of the time. There's a warmth and character to retro aesthetics that modern trends often lack.
Tech
I’m a lifelong tech enthusiast and a dedicated tech worker, always fascinated by how innovation shapes our world. I entered the tech world early in my career after the dawn of the internet, starting at Shutterfly; later earning my MBA from San Jose State University; and now currently at Oracle as a Customer Success Manager.
From cutting-edge consumer gadgets to the wonders of space and scientific advancements, I love exploring how technology can simplify life and unlock new possibilities. Whether it’s diving into the latest software, discovering smart solutions, learning more about cryptocurrency and blockchains, or geeking out over the newest inventions, I’m always eager to see what’s next in the ever-evolving world of tech.
AI
I’m passionate about AI and its potential to transform both work and everyday life. I love learning about it and experimenting with it— enhancing creativity, automating tasks, unlocking insights. I was one of the first to join an amazing community of professionals embracing AI— the AI Savants group— where through a fellowship I've continued to deepen my knowledge and help others learn and embrace AI. This technology is just getting started, and I’m excited to be fully immersed in the journey.
I like to say AITSYP: (you can use) AI To Solve Your Problems.
Architecture & Design
I'm fascinated by architecture and design, especially the bold styles of modernism, midcentury, Googie, and brutalism. I love the sleek geometric lines of midcentury homes (and have one myself); the space-age optimism of Googie is what I think the inside of my psyche looks like; and the raw strength of brutalist structures strikes me perfectly. Each style tells a story, blending art, engineering, innovation, and humanity in ways that inspire me and challenge the ordinary… while retaining a nod to the past.
Nature & Outdoors
I’ve always loved nature and the outdoors, from the quiet beauty of deserts and mountains to the lushness of forests. Whether it’s camping under the stars, botanizing and spotting wildlife, or taking road trips to see breathtaking landscapes, I find endless inspiration in the natural world and its sights, sounds, and smells. National parks, hidden wonders, and wide-open spaces remind me of the stunningly beautiful place our world is. There’s something incredible about being surrounded by nature—it’s both grounding and awe-inspiring.
Dogs
Especially rescues and weird little misfit ones. Like these two.
Digital Download
My professional journey
Customer Success Manager at Oracle
  • Passionate about helping my clients achieve their goals and add value by optimizing people, processes, and technology
  • Customer focused, Oracle CX Certified, and Agile-experienced
  • CX background, now supporting Oracle Fusion stack (including HCM, ERP, EPM, SCM)
AI Enthusiast & Advocate
  • Diving into AI was my biggest story of 2024 and a life changer!
  • Fellowship through AI Savants and early member of the AI Savants community of like-minded professionals.
  • Embracing AI for personal and professional transformation. There's not an area of life or business that won't be drastically changed by AI in the next few years. I'm ready to go all-in to enhance our lives and create a more meaningful future!
Tech product management/
sys admin/
consultant background
Customer Experience industry
  • CRM Project & Product Management
  • CX (Customer Experience) system administration
  • Principal Consultant and Managed Services Manager, CX industry
MBA from SJSU/
B.S. from Cal Poly
  • MBA: one of my best strategic career moves with long-lasting benefits that still impact my life and thinking daily. San Jose State University, 2010
  • B.S. in Ecology & Systematic Biology from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo
Exec Event Producer
  • Short- and long-term strategy for the nonprofit Burlesque Hall of Fame in Las Vegas, NV
  • Exec Producer of 4-day fundraising event for 1000 people
  • Developed/implemented/ executed overhaul of org structure, application, and ticketing system
  • Took operational budget from in-the-red to sustainably in-the-black in 6 months
Liner Notes
More about me: a brief timeline of Mig
1
Early Childhood in Colorado
I spent my young years in Ft. Collins, Colorado. I have fun memories of my grandparents, snow, and the long walk to school. And a really awful day care that got shut down for overcrowding (but I turned out okay!)
2
Growing up in San Diego
I lived in suburban San Diego during my most formative years— ages 8 to 18. Here's where I learned my way around in the world, and made lifelong friends. The long, sunny days were spent going to 7-Eleven, roaming the hilly neighborhoods with bicycles and fresh driver's licenses, and playing trumpet in our award-winning marching band.
3
Embracing lifelong hobbies
My love of astronomy began in third grade with a gift subscription to a kid's astronomy magazine. At age 10, I had a letter published in the magazine and by age 13 I was the astronomy kid at school.
Playing trumpet in the high school band was central to my life. With this learning of how to listen to music, my musical nerdery began. It was during this time that my musical tastes first grew and later flourished. My friends and I would obsessively go to concerts, back when you sometimes needed to line up or camp out to get tickets.
In the early 90s, I was part of the No Doubt extended familyhood and this remains my most treasured thing in life.
4
College in San Luis Obispo
I lived in SLO for seven years; this was a golden era. I learned and experienced so much. I focused on research botany as a major and played in the college band. My favorite part of my whole time there was involvement in the Week of Welcome student orientation organization, it gave me the closest friendships that I still have to this day.
5
Post-college life as a botanist, then joining the tech world
For a few years, I worked as a field botanist at Channel Islands National Park, off the coast of Southern California, identifying and categorizing plants.
As the internet boomed and became a part of daily life, I began my tech career journey by taking a tech support job and moving to the Bay Area.
6
Bay Area/NorCal living and career growth
My many years in the Bay Area were amazing— growing my tech career and experiencing the thriving arts and culture of the Bay Area during the "dot-com era." Some fun aspects that I especially loved were the tiki bar/culture scene and burlesque/cabaret shows.
After earning my MBA, I started working as a Project/Product Manager and then a consultant in the Customer Experience industry.
7
Viva Las Vegas
In 2019, I moved to Las Vegas because I fell in love… with a house! My midcentury modern house, in a vintage neighborhood called Paradise Palms, is my pride and joy.
In 2024, I was elected President of the Las Vegas Astronomical Society. In 2025, I started my own company, Stardust Astrotours, providing astronomy and stargazing tours in Southern Nevada.
Bonus Tracks
Some teasers. Ask me about…
The weirdest thing I've ever had to do for a job.
The story behind my childhood telescope and the star parties I would do for schoolkids.
My letter that was published in a kids' astronomy magazine when I was 10 years old.
My name in the thank-yous of a multiplatinum album.
My encounters with Bill Nye and the time I blew his mind with something sciencey.
My weird little dogs.
The AI Savants community of AI enthusiasts.
What I think is the most important thing a person can do for themself. (Or alternately… the worst thing!)
Taking the helm of a struggling weekender event and turning it around in 6 months.
My "discoveries" as a field botanist, many years ago.
Favorite outdoor spots and places I've camped.
The color scheme that I am obsessed with!
Traveling to the UK for a music festival.
My midcentury home.
Nearly getting run over by the man who created Disneyland's Autopia.
Deep Cuts
Some favorite slices of life.