EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Flavio Andrade was born in Sahuayo, Mexico. At the age of 2, his mother immigrated to Los Angeles, California with him and his younger brother, where his father had immigrated prior. Shortly after, his family relocated to Pasadena, California, due to a high rise in gangs and crime in LA in the early 1980s. This is where he was ultimately raised and still resides.

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR

Born in East Los Angeles and raised in Pasadena, CA, Erica’s journey is one of profound resilience, transformation, and dedication to service. As the middle child of three siblings, she faced immense challenges early in life. Raised by a father struggling with heroin addiction, Erica experienced instability that led her to run away from home at just nine years old. By the age of 12, she found herself in the company of gang-affiliated individuals, and at 14, she became pregnant. When her father forced her out of their home, Erica moved in with the father of her child—an active gang member—before eventually striking out on her own. By 16, she was independently supporting herself and her son, working in the fast food industry to make ends meet.

Despite the overwhelming obstacles she faced, Erica refused to be defined by her past. At 24, she made the courageous decision to return to school in pursuit of a better future for herself and her children. She earned her GED and high school diploma before excelling in higher education. Graduating as Valedictorian from her local community college, Erica transferred to the University of California, Irvine, where she relocated her family and continued her academic journey. While earning her bachelor’s degree in Criminology, Law & Society, she gave birth to her fifth child, demonstrating extraordinary perseverance and commitment. She later went on to complete her Master’s degree in the same field.

Since 2005, Erica has dedicated her career to working with at-risk youth, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to those navigating difficult life circumstances. Her extensive experience includes juvenile court diversion programs, curriculum development for at-risk youth, skills facilitation workshops, caregiving in level 12 group homes, and mental health counseling for transitional-aged youth. In 2014, she took on a leadership role as a team lead for Pasadena’s Community Intervention Team, overseeing efforts to reduce gang violence and leading a team of intervention specialists. She holds certifications in Professional Community Intervention and Conflict Resolution, further solidifying her expertise in restorative justice and violence prevention.

Today, Erica is a business owner specializing in legal document preparation and filing. Committed to continuous growth, she prioritizes her well-being by maintaining an active lifestyle and regularly engaging in personal development through reading and education. Her next ambitious goal is to study for the LSAT and apply to law school, furthering her ability to advocate for justice and systemic change.

Above all, Erica finds the greatest joy in spending time with her five children and seven grandchildren. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, education, and self-determination. She is living proof that even the most challenging beginnings can lead to a future filled with purpose, impact, and hope.

PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Economic & Community Development | Community Violence Intervention Collaborative | Violence Prevention-Interdiction | Race Relations Specialist

Professional Community Intervention Training Institute

Long Beach, California, United States

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH SERVICES

Arthur spend a large part of his youth in Pasadena, CA. He had been in and out of the court system since the age of 13. He attended Marshall Fundamental, Pasadena High School, Rose City High School, and Foothill Probation School but was never able to graduate with his class. He was in prison for 15 years.

DIRECTOR OF ADULT ENGAGEMENT & TRANSFORMATION

Gibran J. Bonner. Born in Inglewood, California, and raised in Los Angeles, I grew up deeply impacted by the urban street environment. This background has given me a firsthand understanding of trauma, post-incarceration challenges, and the complexities of reintegration. I have experienced loss and hardship from a young age, which led to difficult paths, including incarceration. Today, I am an instructor with the “Build Program” through the Professional Community Intervention Training Institute, where I focus on personal transformation and equipping others with skills for positive community impact.

Through my journey, I’ve come to believe that true rehabilitation begins within oneself, beyond the limitations of institutional frameworks. I am committed to using my experiences to foster empathy and resilience, showing that change and growth are possible for anyone willing to transform.

YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAMS COORDINATOR

Trinidad was born in Pasadena’s St. Luke Hospital. He was raised in graduate family housing at the University of CA – Irvine during his elementary school years. He attended middle school at Oxford Prep., a charter school, in Chino, CA which allowed him to have experiences his older siblings did not, such as traveling to Costa Rica for an educational trip with his school.