I grew up in Tacoma, WA. About 145 miles North of Oregon, I moved to Portland, where I finished and graduated high school at Jefferson in the Northeast area of Portland. My personal goal is to start a community fitness gym open to all but paid training specializing in football, rugby, track, and lacrosse. I grew up an athlete, and the team aspects of sports, from holding each other accountable when we make a mistake to taking tasks that a coach needs you to finish and being able to put personal ego and pride aside for the collective effort and vision we share. Those are essential life skills to go far in anything, especially in non-profit work. I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in Portland and the gun violence that has affected it through consistent organization and impeccable support in communities in the greater Portland area. I have also dealt with gun violence, having close relatives killed, and being misidentified and shot at in Portland, Oregon, since I've relocated here. So this isn't just a "job" or title for me because most of these acts are aimless and need to end. My goal for Love Is StrongerGV Inc. is to be dedicated to amplifying the impact of Love Is Stronger within Portland and do it with a lot of heart.

For the past two years, I've been closely involved with Love Is Stronger and now hold the position of Youth Program Director. My focus has been guiding teens in crucial areas like de-escalation, accountability, and making positive life choices. My own experiences, particularly overcoming gun violence trauma, have shaped my approach. Any teen can make positive choices for a successful future with proper guidance. Inspired by fatherhood, I'm committed to passing on the tools and support I've received from my elders and community members who helped me navigate my trauma.

 I have been working with LIS in various roles since 2021. I am a mentor to the youth in Portland, and I also advocate for the youth. I work with the Gang veterans/positive influencers as a point person and supervisor.  I am also a Gang Veteran, having gone down the road that is a dead-end for any who decide to take that path; I will give my knowledge and compassion that can guide and sway individuals away from a life of violence, crime, and negativity. I love doing this work because I can share what wasn’t shared with me when I was coming up and give insight on what not to do. Being in and through the system, I changed my lifestyle, became a business owner, gave back to my community, and helped people understand the pitfalls of being on the streets.

Lionel grew up in North Portland in a family involved in drugs and gangs. He was drawn in, selling drugs starting at age 12. Before long, he was carrying and using a gun, and at age 18, he shot and killed another teen. He went to prison in 2004 for manslaughter. In prison, he reinvented himself and turned his life around. He found mentors who helped him heal and showed him that he could be the person he wanted to be. He learned to read, gained job skills and financial literacy, and trained as a peer support specialist and recovery mentor. In 2012, Lionel started What It Do while still in prison to help young men like him reimagine their lives. When he returned to Portland in 2016, he continued this work, leading to the founding of Love Is Stronger in 2020. Lionel is driven to help people intergenerational affected by gangs and violence feel safe and supported, work through trauma, and learn the skills they need to contribute positively to their communities.

 I graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Social Science. Professionally, I aim to elevate my brand to be known for setting trends and positive influence while increasing sales. Personally, I'm dedicated to fundraising for Love is Stronger GV and partnering with local and global Community Based Organizations. I support others in reaching their goals through Fiscal Sponsorships. I travel globally to conduct workshops on conflict resolution, trauma healing, and positive influence. I enjoy spending time with children, coaching basketball, and relishing Mediterranean cuisine. My unique skill lies in identifying and addressing conflicts among youth and young adults. I've organized over 25 successful Prosocial events in the Portland Metro-Area.