Staff: Gabriel Gutierrez

With a deep-rooted commitment to youth development and social impact, I began my career working for six years at a juvenile detention facility. This opportunity led me to build meaningful connections with youth and gain a deeper understanding of the thought processes and life experiences that shaped their behaviors. This role opened my eyes to the critical importance and often the absence of healthy developmental support in the lives of young people.

Motivated to make a broader impact, I pursued and earned my teaching certificate. My first role as an educator was at a middle school dedicated to newly arrived immigrant children. This specialized teaching environment challenged me, inspired me, and ultimately changed me.

Working with students from diverse backgrounds, each carrying their own powerful stories, broadened my understanding of resilience and humanity. It made me a more empathetic, informed, and compassionate person. Now, as I transition into the role of a professional mentor, I carry with me the insights and experiences gained from working with justice-involved youth and teaching in a culturally diverse classroom.

I am committed to using these experiences to support, guide, and uplift young people—especially those facing the greatest challenges. My goal is to make a meaningful and lasting difference in the lives of our most vulnerable, the youth.