Mari Hernandez
Mari Hernandez’s world turned upside down on May 15, 2018, when she discovered her son, Andrew, had taken his own life. Known as the “Big Friendly Giant” by his friends, Andrew was just weeks away from graduating Santa Barbara High School. As a social worker, Hernandez understood that oftentimes those who take their lives appear happy on the outside, but she didn’t realize her son was struggling under the surface. Though she’s dreamed of starting a nonprofit for over 20 years, the idea for the Vida Center was born three days after Andrew’s death. Andrew’s football coach came to Hernandez and asked her to start it after two other kids on the team confessed to the coach that they too had plans to end their lives but chose not to after witnessing the effect of Andrew’s choice.
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Chris Orlando
Chris Orlando loves sports and he believes that sports can change people and the world! He has been a part of the NFL Alumni Association helping them stretch their charitable dollars. He currently works with Sports Industry of India, helping them expand the infrastructure for university sports in India.
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Kaylie Reynolds
Kaylie is the Transitional Age Youth Program’s Director for the Youth and Family Services branch of the Channel Island YMCA. There she helps connect youth in need of a safe place to stay with services and counseling. One of the programs she helps run is Noah’s Anchorage, a licensed eight-bed runaway and homeless shelter for youth age 12-17. An amazing story from a woman who loves youth and wants to see them are and flourishing!
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Smaranda Lawrie
Dr. Lawrie’s life began by escaping communism with her parents to Austria. There, she once had a racist teacher make her lick her dropped food off the ground. Her family made it to America...and now Dr. Smaranda Lawrie is teaching college students about gratitude and resilience. Tune in to this interview if you need some encouragement! Amazing!
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Adrian Gutierrez
Officer Gutierrez has been on the Santa Barbara P.D. for almost 20 years. While on the force, he has worked to build positive mentoring relationships with teens, the S.B. Police Department, and the community through his work with the Police Activities League of PAL. Gutierrez grew up on the Eastside of Santa Barbara and still calls it home as he continues to care for his community! An amazing interview showing the power of officers who care about their neighbors!
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John Mullen
John Mullen has been a leader in business and an entrepreneur from the beginning. While researching the Mozambique civil war, he read the story of Florencia, a girl who lost her right leg below the knee from a landmine. John and his business partner Douglas set out to help Florencia and many others like her live life normally again. An amazing interview with a powerful story of hope!
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Gregg Hart
Public service has always been a part of Supervisor Hart's life, as his mother worked as an elementary school teacher and his father served as a library director. Gregg Hart has been a relentless worker for community improvement and the betterment of Santa Barbara resident’s lives!
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Fatima Oliver
Fatima is an incredible fighter. She has an amazing story and has a mindset we all need to hear. Through years of abuse and the loss of a child, most would have given up. Fatima learned to break the chains that bound her and came out the shining light on the brighter side.
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Curt Pickering
Curt loves sports and believes they can make us better, more connected people. As a basketball coach in America and Europe, he has seen many players and many winning teams. Most recently, he worked as the Indiana Pacers’ talent scout. Amazing man with some great insight!
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