HerStory!At the age of 16, as a high school student I Mayra took on the role of a youth leader. She began to provide a safe space where young people in her community-- The Northeast San Fernando Valley felt safe to share with her their stories.
Being raised in more than one economically challenged community and exposed to gang violence she felt a need to become a part of a movement that would bring forward true transformative change for her and the young people of her community. In 2007, under the guidance of known author of award winning book, "Always Running: Gang Days in LA" and current Los Angeles Poet Laureate, Luis Rodriguez, Mayra was able to established the Young Warriors Youth Program as a project of Tia Chucha’s Cultural Center and Bookstore. Since, she has been able to produce and facilitate art based self-expression, healing circles and mural projects that focus on helping young men and women mentally and emotionally prepare for adulthood.
As of 2015, Mayra continue to guide young adults embarking on their journeys to self-discovery by continuing to execute leadership training and self- expression workshops that teach young people the importance of self-care, love and respect, through utilizing the meaningful teachings of the arts and Native Indigenous cultural alternative and intuitive wisdom. She is as well, currently work in collaboration with Fidel Rodriguez founder of Divine Forces Media and employee of the Los Angeles County Human Resource Department and Friends of the Family, a comprehensive family resource center.
Personal and Career Goals
Short Term
- Continue challenging and recreating myself to be the best mentor, leader and teammate I can be!
- Continue on my personal journey to heal and grow from my past traumas.
- Continue expanding my knowledge of self and surroundings.
- Begin publishing chapbooks containing cumulative artwork of young warriors
Long Term
- Develop and master the skills needed to open and successfully operate the first 24/7 rescue services center for the youth of the San Fernando Valley.
- Obtain a PhD through USC in Policy, Planning and Development (DPPD)
Mentoring Training by: Author/ Mentor- Luis J. Rodriguez 2007-Present
- Proper Mentoring
- Collective Leadership
- Creative Writing
- Facilitation of Healing Circles
- Gang Prevention
- Rite of Passage
- Program Organizing
- Non- Profit Sector
- Case Management
