EP: 45 | From Da Streets to Redemption | Pastor Jesus Sandoval | Victorious Voices

Join us on this powerful episode of Victorious Voices as host Arthur Soriano sits down with Pastor Jesus Sandoval a renowned activist, credible messenger, and community pillar. They dive deep into the heart of the MOMovement, discussing the transformative power of forgiveness, the true meaning of understanding, and the raw, real qualities it takes to be an authentic leader.

Pastor Sandoval shares incredible stories from the front lines of community work and reveals a personal piece of host Arthur Soriano's past: his old nickname that few people know today! This is a conversation about transformation, proving that change is possible and that our past doesn't define our future.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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EP: 37 | Hector Martines | Victorious Voices

At just 17 years old, Hector Martinez was tried as an adult and sentenced to 56 years to life. He believed he would never return home. But through powerful advocacy; including my role as a gang expert on his case and the dedication of an extraordinary legal team, Hector’s story took a turn. After a successful 1437 hearing, he was granted parole.

While still incarcerated at MSRP, we made the decision to hire him immediately, because we didn’t just see potential in Hector, we saw purpose.

Now home and thriving, Hector serves as the Lead Mentor at Youth Empowerment. As a Credible Messenger, he uses his lived experience to guide justice-impacted youth and show what real transformation looks like.

This episode is more than a story of redemption, it’s a testament to second chances, the power of community, and the leadership born from lived experience.

🎧 Tap in to hear Hector’s powerful journey of resilience, restoration, and leadership.


More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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EP: 41 | The Credible Messenger Origin Story | Jimmy Figueroa | Victorious Voices 

On this episode of the VV Podcast, host Arthur sits down with Tri-City San Diego Council member Jimmy Figueroa for a deep dive into the Credible Messenger Movement and its powerful roots right here in San Diego.

Councilmember Figueroa shares the impactful origin story of how this model began and why "credible messengers" individuals who share the lived experience and cultural background of the youth they serve are so essential. They discuss the unique strength of our culturally rich communities and how understanding this context is the key to effective mentorship and positive change.

This is a crucial conversation for community advocates, non-profit leaders, social workers, and anyone who believes in the power of empathy and shared experience to uplift our youth.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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EP: 43 | Streets to Success: Gang Prevention & Non-Profits | D'Andre Brooks | Victorious Voices

In this powerful and strategic episode of Victorious Voices, host Arthur Soriano is joined by D'Andre Brooks, a transformative leader in the San Diego community. As the CEO & Co-Founder of “Freedom2Succeed” and the appointed Chair of the San Diego Commission on Gang Prevention & Intervention, D'Andre operates at the critical intersection of policy, direct action, and grassroots change.

They pull back the curtain on the real work of ending cycles of violence and poverty. D'Andre provides a masterclass on building a effective non-profit from the ground up, the vital role of credible messengers, and how the SD Gang Commission is creating tangible strategies for a safer, more empowered city.

This is a must-watch for future leaders, community organizers, and anyone who believes in the power of second chances.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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EP: 44 | School Culture: Data & Understanding Today’s Youth | Mrs. Barcelo-Carrillo | Victorious Voices

In this essential episode of Victorious Voices, host Arthur Soriano sits down with Mrs. Barcelo-Carrillo, the dedicated Principal of Hoover High School. With a heart for student success and a data-driven approach, she opens up about the realities and rewards of leading a school community in today’s world.

They dive into the critical topics of school safety, building a positive and inclusive campus culture, and the importance of truly understanding the diverse youth they serve. Mrs. Barcelo-Carrillo shares insights on how administrators, teachers, and families can work together to guide young people through the big decisions they face—both inside and outside the classroom.

This is a must-listen conversation for parents, educators, and community members who believe in the power of schools to transform lives.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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EP: 39 | The Science of Healing, Trauma & Y.E. | Melissa Guaderrama, LMFT | Victorious Voices

In this profoundly insightful episode of Victorious Voices, host Arthur Soriano sits down with Melissa Guaderrama, LMFT, a dedicated Mental Health and Trauma Specialist. With a Master of Science from The Pennsylvania State University and as a CA Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Melissa brings a powerful blend of clinical expertise and deep compassion to her work.

They dive into the science behind mental health and trauma, breaking down complex concepts into understandable truths. Melissa shares her invaluable experience as a Staff LMFT working in youth empowerment, detailing what it's really like on the front lines of supporting the next generation. As a Tricare civilian provider, she also offers crucial perspective on serving military families.

This is an essential conversation for anyone seeking to understand the mind, heal from trauma, or learn how to truly support the youth in our communities.

This is a essential conversation for anyone seeking to understand the mind, heal from trauma, or learn how to truly support the youth in our communities.

👉 Stay connected with Victorious Voices!
✔️ Subscribe to our channel and hit the bell icon 🔔 so you never miss an inspiring conversation:  @foryouthempowerment  
✔️ Follow us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

🔗 Resources & Help:

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 or 1-800-273-8255



#mentalhealth #trauma #therapy #melissaguaderrama #youthempowerment

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EP: 38 | Love Thru Bars: Struggling with Incarcerated Loved One | Michelle Wales | Victorious Voices

In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Victorious Voices, we are honored to welcome Michelle Wales, a Program Manager, Lead Mentor, and a woman who has lived the definition of unwavering loyalty. Michelle opens up about her profound experience supporting her brother through his journey within the prison system.

This conversation goes beyond the surface, exploring the complex emotional landscape, the logistical hurdles, and the profound strength required to maintain a relationship from behind glass and bars. Michelle shares the raw truths about the grief, hope, judgment, and unconditional love that defines this experience, offering invaluable insight for anyone who loves someone in the justice system.

As a mentor who uses her lived experience to guide others, Michelle provides not just a story, but a roadmap of resilience.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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Ep: 40  | Antonio "King Tone" Fernandez | Victorious Voices

In this powerful episode of Victorious Voices, we sit down with two pioneers of the Credible Messenger movement, Arthur Soriano, founder of Youth Empowerment, and Antonio Fernandez, also known as King Tone, former leader of the Latin Kings and national voice for justice transformation.

Together, they share their raw, unfiltered stories of incarceration, redemption, and leadership. As original architects of the Credible Messenger model, Arthur and Tone break down what it truly means to turn pain into purpose, and how their lived experiences are reshaping systems from the inside out.

From the streets to the frontlines of reform, these two trailblazers are proof that those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.

🔊 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay tapped into more powerful voices driving real change.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#crediblemessengers #arthursoriano #kingtone #youthempowerment #victoriousvoices

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EP : 42 | Mission of Hope & The Cherry Willow Appeal | Matt Fogarty | Victorious Voices

On this special episode of Victorious Voices, Alexis steps in to host, sitting down with the incredible Matt Fogarty, the driving force behind the Cherry Willow Appeal. When Matt speaks about his mission to heal trauma and support first responders, you listen.

This is a raw and inspiring conversation about turning pain into purpose. Matt opens up about the critical work of the Cherry Willow Appeal, the hidden wounds of trauma, and the resilience of the human spirit. We dive into why supporting our frontline heroes and community members isn't just charity—it's essential for our collective healing.

More Info & Resources 
👉 Instagram  - https://www.instagram.com/youth_empowerment

👉 Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ForYouthEmpowerment

👉 Website - https://www.youthempowermentsd.com

#youthempowerment #traumainformed #livedexperience #inclusion

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EP. 34 | Youth Voices | Let's Talk | Victorious Voices

In this episode, youth share how Youth Empowerment helped them find their voice. From navigating challenges to building confidence and leadership, they talk about what it felt like to be heard, supported, and pushed to grow. This is a powerful conversation about identity, resilience, and possibility.

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