ABOUT US

Early Life

Growing up between Los Angeles and Mexico – David spent many of his early years living the risk of the gang life. At the young age of 19, he became incarcerated in Washington State where he was sentenced to 16 years. David continued to be active in the gang culture inside of prison which resulted in numerous years of Isolation.

 

David understands the impact that prolonged isolation can have on the mind, body and spirit. Through reflection, growth and change, David recognized how he could use his background in gang culture to positively influence and change outcomes of others. He is fully committed to his vision of helping individuals caught up in the same lifestyle to discover a better future for themselves. 

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Professional Career

After his release, David attended college and was hired to do gang intervention work with youth impacted by gangs, acts of violence and the juvenile justice system at Alive & Free (YMCA). His dedication and knowledge shined through his work, and he was eventually offered a supervisory role where he led the South King County Outreach team and served on the Youth LINC Intervention Team.

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After years of experience, he observed a growth of Latino Gangs and the need for services within the Latino Community. Through his relationship with St Vincent De Paul in Kent, together they created ReRoute, a gang prevention program targeted for younger teens to mitigate their risk factors while living in a gang affected community.

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David was eventually offered an Executive Director role at New Connections of South King County where he continues to develop new gang prevention programs for youth.  

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ReSet

David’s reputation continues to grow and after countless speaking engagements, workshops and trainings he was invited to mentor, and problem solve with young men in Green Hill (Juvenile Prison). His expansive knowledge and experience of gang hierarchy allows him to be heard and activate change. While in partnership with the Superintendent, David has been able to use a non-traditional approach strongly rooted in relationship building that is created by meeting the youth where they were. This partnership has grown into the work of ReSet.

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ReSet is the culmination of the specialized work that David has demonstrated in the community and within institutions. This work merges real life experience as a gang content expert with 10 years of serving and mentoring youth affected by gangs. This provides the insight critical to building relationships and influencing outcomes to create positive options for the youth most impacted by isolation.

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David credits the power of relationships and his ability to listen and connect as the keys to success with everyone he serves – he hopes to change the landscape of youth justice and gang intervention work.