A quote that inspires Michael is by musician Bob Marley: “The greatness of a man is not how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.”
Michael is a Reentry Coach for the Reentry Success Center. He facilitates a cognitive behavior curriculum called Thinking For A Change (T4C). Michael also works with individuals who are impacted by the criminal justice system all across Contra Costa County. He helps them overcome systemic barriers that may be holding them back.
Born and raised in Richmond, Michael has firsthand experience of what hopelessness looks like. Having been impacted by the justice system himself, he sees how unfair the system is set up for individuals like him, and he has had to make serious changes in order to thrive. Upon his release from the California State Prison System, Michael leaned on organizations, such as Rubicon Programs, which are invested in his community.
While there, Michael’s values started to change, which allowed him to trust the process of change. Throughout the process, which had its peaks and valleys, Michael began to understand his purpose, which is to be a voice for the voiceless and to be a positive representative for all, especially his community.