CEO, Believing Through Achieving, Non-Profit | 7th Degree Black Belt Providing Coordinative Fitness for Marginalized Communities
At Proyecto Pastoral, we’re witnessing something powerful: teens like Joseph, who were raised in economically underserved areas, are stepping up as leaders and mentors for the younger generation. Martial arts aren’t just about self-defense; they’re about teaching discipline, leadership, and responsibility. For Joseph, this program has been a catalyst for positive change, not just for himself, but for the entire community. It’s proven that youth mentorship programs like this one foster resilience and community cohesion. Did You Know: *National Mentoring Partnership* highlights that youth who engage in mentorship are 55% more likely to enroll in college and 78% more likely to hold leadership roles later in life.
