As a Recovery Specialist, Youth Mentor, and Certified Life Coach, I’m passionate about empowering individuals to overcome adversity and reach their full potential. My journey from a former gang member and prison inmate to a dedicated change-maker has taught me the power of resilience, and I’m committed to sharing that with others. Through my work, I help individuals and communities break free from cycles of trauma, addiction, and limitation. Growing up and having relationship issues with my father and living in different neighborhoods, I was drawn to the streets and eventually became a gang member. But after a stint in prison, I hit rock bottom. It was there, in that darkest moment, that I discovered my resilience. I realized I had two choices: give up or use my experiences to make a difference. I began to mentor fellow inmates, sharing my story and encouraging them to seek a better path. Upon release, I dedicated myself to helping at-risk youth avoid the mistakes I made. I've seen countless individuals transform their lives through my work as a Youth Mentor, Certified Life Coach, and Recovery Specialist. My resilience comes from: Self-reflection: Understanding my past and how it shapes my present.#JoseVargasZapata#InspiringJourneys#MissionDriven#podcast #JoseZapataStory#podcast #PurposeAndPassion#MakingADifference#podcast #OvercomingChallenges#psychology#DrivenByPurpose#InspirationAndResilience#PersonalMission