Mentors

Daniel
Joshua Ramirez “Danny Boy”
Born in the South and raised between North Carolina and California, Daniel Joshua Ramirez is a devoted husband and father of six. A talented barber and entrepreneur, Daniel combines his passion for barbering with mentorship through his program Catching Fadez—an initiative designed to uplift youth by offering free haircuts, a listening ear, and real guidance. He believes deeply in making young people feel seen, valued, and confident. Through his work with MANDO, Danny Boy continues to live out his purpose: giving back, building community, and using his gifts to inspire and serve others.

Felix Gamez
A cardiac radiologic technologist at UCLA. He was born in Sylmar, California, and raised in Thousand Oaks. After going through some tough early years and time as an incarcerated youth, Felix turned his life around. Today, he uses his real-life experience to connect with others as a credible messenger, showing that growth, change, and second chances are always possible.

Marcos Aviles
Born in Torrance, California and raised in Newbury Park, Marcos Aviles grew up closely following in the footsteps of his sibling, eventually becoming entrenched in the gang lifestyle. This path led to his incarceration at the young age of 15, resulting in four years spent in juvenile detention and the California Youth Authority (CYA).
As he matured, Marcos came to a turning point—he realized he didn’t want to set that kind of example for his children. Determined to change, he began walking a better path.
Today, Marcos reflects on the lessons life has taught him. He channels the experiences of those he knew in the system—friends who can no longer be saved—to mentor youth. His mission is to help them rebuild their lives, believe in themselves, and unlock their potential for good.