Youth Empowerment

Youth Empowerment

Civic and Social Organizations

San Diego, California 1,054 followers

Historically oppressed and marginalized individuals and communities are healed and transformed.

About us

Youth Empowerment is a frontline grassroots community organization that has risen from humble beginnings. The City Heights neighborhood, San Diego’s most diverse community with the highest rates of poverty and interpersonal violence, raised Youth Empowerment’s founders, husband and wife Arthur and Gaby Soriano, and their life-long friend Robert Ontiveros. In 2015, following 24 years of incarceration, Arthur returned with a newfound vision and conviction to heal and transform. With this in mind, Arthur started connecting with other former gang members he knew who were also looking to change their ways. The couple and Mr. Ontiveros began holding weekly barbecues at Teralta Park and established a sense of family and credibility that helped the youth see a life beyond the confines of their neighborhood. These grassroots beginnings would build the model that would eventually become Youth Empowerment. Since then, Youth Empowerment has been a thriving grassroots organization with programs that serve San Diego’s justice-involved and high-needs families and communities. Six years later, Youth Empowerment is a leader of the Community Mentors, also known as Credible Messengers, movement and has received local and national recognition for its efforts. This movement has proven that those who have exited the justice system and transformed their lives are the most credible messengers when working with justice-impacted youth, adults, and families. In 2019, after twenty-five years of incarceration and determined to heal the community she once harmed, Niki Martinez joined the team and has accelerated Youth Empowerment’s programming growth and partnerships. She, along with all lived experience mentors, are committed to standing with those who are returning to the community as they embrace their path of healing and transformation.

Industry
Civic and Social Organizations
Company size
2-10 employees
Headquarters
San Diego, California
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2015
Specialties
Gang Expert Consultant, Reentry Programs, and Lived Experience Experts

Locations

Employees at Youth Empowerment

Updates

  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    ✨ Join us for an unforgettable evening at H.E.A.L. 2024: The Resilience Blueprint! ✨ On November 15th, we gather at the Sheraton Mission Valley for an evening of inspiration, hope, and change. This is more than a gala—it’s a chance to impact lives and empower communities through Honoring, Empowerment, Advocacy, and Leadership. 💫 Your support is the key to making this happen! By attending or becoming a sponsor, you are joining a movement that helps justice-impacted youth and adults rewrite their stories and reclaim their futures. Every ticket includes a copy of The Resilience Blueprint by our founder Arthur Soriano, with a second copy donated to individuals currently incarcerated, offering them a roadmap to success and hope. ✨ VIP Tickets include exclusive perks such as a private reception and special seating. ✨ Standard Tickets offer an incredible night full of purpose and connection. 🔗 Don’t miss your chance to be part of this powerful event! Sponsorships are still available—take a stand and help us drive meaningful change. Let's create a brighter future together. 📍Sheraton Mission Valley, San Diego 📅 November 15, 2024 | 6:30 PM . . . #YouthEmpowerment #ResilienceBlueprint #HEALGala #SocialImpact #CommunitySupport #InspireChange

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  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    Jason Druxman, Retired Deputy Chief of the San Diego County Probation Department, has now joined Youth Empowerment’s Board of Directors. His wealth of experience in the justice system and deep commitment to community reform make him an invaluable asset in advancing the Credible Messenger movement. Jason is passionate about helping us integrate this movement into systems, ensuring that people with lived experiences in the justice system can play a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding others toward positive transformation. With his leadership, we are furthering our mission to create lasting change, foster community healing, and provide hope to those seeking a new path forward. His insight and dedication are helping to build bridges between our organization and key systems, amplifying our impact and strengthening our work at Youth Empowerment. 👋 Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #BroadMember #YouthEmpowerment

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  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    #YouthEmpowerment #crediblemessengers Here at Youth Empowerment (YE), spreading our mission to donors, partners, and anyone interested in the work we do is a vital part of driving real change. Sharing our strategies, challenges, and ideas with others in the nonprofit space fosters collaboration, allowing us to connect with like-minded organizations and individuals who are passionate about making an impact. These connections create opportunities to learn from each other, grow together, and find innovative solutions to the issues facing our communities. At YE, we believe that this collective effort is what strengthens the movement, ensuring that our mission reaches even further. Engaging in open dialogue with donors and sharing insights with other organizations not only helps expand our network but also fuels the momentum needed to empower and uplift those we serve. 👋 Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #universityclubsd #crediblemessengers #championmindset🏆 #communityengagment #personalgrowth #supportivestaff #makingconnections #stayconnected #sandiegononprofit #nonprofitlife #sandiegononprofits #crediblemessengermovement

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  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    #sandiegopublicdefenders #theresilienceblueprint We are incredibly proud of our ongoing partnership with the San Diego Public Defender’s Office, which has been instrumental in helping us further our mission of empowering youth and creating meaningful change in our community. A special thank you to Kyra Richards for her unwavering commitment, understanding, and belief in our work. Her dedication has been pivotal in ensuring that we continue to make a lasting impact. During this collaboration, we also had the opportunity to demo our OTP (Organizational Transformation Program), which is trauma-informed and designed to help organizations better support individuals who have experienced trauma. We’re excited about the positive response and look forward to continuing this important work together. 👋 Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #YouthEmpowerment #nonprofitlife

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  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    #CredibleMessengerMovement #LeadershipMatters Arthur Soriano extends his deepest gratitude to his fellow panelists, the remarkable venue, and the incredible host who made the event possible. Their combined efforts created an atmosphere of learning, connection, and inspiration. Arthur appreciates the chance to share his journey and engage in meaningful discussions that continue to drive positive change. The opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated individuals has been both an honor and a privilege. 👋🏽Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #YouthEmpowerment #nonprofitlife

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  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    #CredibleMessengers #CredibleMessengersMovement Arthur recently delivered a powerful and insightful talk on the significance of credible messengers✊🏽individuals with lived experience who have undergone their own transformation and are now equipped to guide others toward positive change. He spoke passionately about how these mentors not only serve as a bridge to help individuals reintegrate into society but also as a source of inspiration and hope for those facing similar challenges. Collaborating with organizations like Project Aware and Project Kinship, Arthur underscored the crucial role these programs play in offering support systems for individuals as they work to rebuild their lives and positively impact their communities. His message was clear: through shared experience and compassionate guidance, credible messengers can drive meaningful and lasting change in both individuals and society as a whole. 👋🏽 Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #YouthEmpowerment #nonprofitlife #ceolife #rebuildcommunities

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  • View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    We are incredibly proud of Hector Martinez and the extraordinary journey he has taken. His transformation is nothing short of remarkable, and his dedication to the cause speaks volumes about his character and resilience. From where he started to where he is now, Hector’s growth is a powerful testament to the strength of personal change and the impact of mentorship and community support. His commitment to giving back and helping others navigate their own paths is an inspiration to us all and a reminder of the true power of perseverance and purpose. His story embodies the mission of Youth Empowerment and the belief that, with the right support, real change is always possible. 👋 Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #LeadershipMatters #YouthEmpowerment

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    1,054 followers

    Arthur, is a dedicated advocate for systemic reform, often reflects on his personal transformation, saying, "My journey from being trapped by circumstances to becoming a voice for change didn’t happen overnight." Arthur's life has been shaped by both hardship and resilience, and through his own experiences, he has become a powerful leader and mentor. His work focuses on empowering marginalized communities, particularly young people, to rise above their challenges and build a brighter future. Arthur's story is one of perseverance, and he continues to inspire others to embrace change and take control of their own narratives. 👋 Follow Youth Empowerment for more content. ♻️ Repost to share with your network. #MotivationMonday #YouthEmpowerment

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    1,054 followers

    Join us for the H.E.A.L. Gala on Nov 15, 6-11 PM at the Sheraton Mission Valley San Diego Hotel! Hear inspiring stories from Arthur Soriano, keynote speakers, and more. Let's celebrate empowerment, advocacy, and leadership together!

    View organization page for Youth Empowerment, graphic

    1,054 followers

    We are thrilled to invite you to Youth Empowerment's annual *H.E.A.L.* Gala—an evening dedicated to Honoring Empowerment, Advocacy, and Leadership. This year’s event will feature a special reading from Arthur Soriano, who will share an exclusive passage from his newly released book, offering insights into his inspiring journey. In addition to Arthur’s reading, the evening will also highlight keynote speakers from both our adult and youth leaders, who will share their powerful stories of resilience, growth, and leadership. Join us for a night filled with inspiration, celebration, and a commitment to uplifting our community!

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    Amazing night celebrating Hispanic heritage and building connections! Big thanks to Fred Sotelo for leading the way. We are excited for the collaborations and impact to come!

    View profile for Arthur Soriano, graphic

    President/ CEO at Youth Empowerment

    Thank you for leading the way Fred Sotelo. We had an unforgettable night at the Pendry Hotels & Resorts for the Hispanic Heritage Mixer. The energy was electric as we celebrated the rich traditions and heritage that shape our community. It was more than just a gathering—it was a space where we built new relationships, exchanged ideas, and connected with people who share a passion for making a positive impact. We’re always grateful for opportunities like this that bring people together and strengthen our network of amazing individuals. Looking forward to the continued connections and collaborations that will come from such an inspiring evening!

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