Our Executive Team
Arthur Soriano
Founder/ Chief Executive Officer
As Founder/CEO, Arthur oversees all programs, advocacy activities and training programs for Youth Empowerment. He is the “face” of the organization and is a sought-after motivational speaker and subject matter expert.
Arturo serves on the board of directors for the National Parents Union. He is a gang consultant and expert witness for superior and federal court systems; he provides consultation and expert witness testimony for attorneys in the San Diego County criminal court system; he presents regularly to San Diego County Office of Probation, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Attorney General’s Department, San Diego City Council and San Diego County Supervisors; he is a practitioner/trainer of Trauma Informed Care and advocates for the assumption of the Trauma Informed Care Code of Conduct by all entities that work with traumatized individuals.
He is certified in Interactive Journaling for Forward Thinking & Courage to Change; Moral Reconation Therapy; a Seeking Safety Facilitator and included in SAMHSA National Registry of Evidence-based Programs and Practices. He has been a trainer and facilitator for the International Institute for Restorative Practices; a Peer Support Partner with Children’s Services; served on the Family, Youth Roundtable for San Diego County; Wellness Planning & Life Goals planning; San Diego Community Mentor Collaborative training program at Alliant University; and the Alternatives to Incarceration Training Institute.
Arthur is also the co-author of Hidden Treasures, a book that takes readers on a journey through fields of poverty and fatherless homes, to stabbings on the streets and in inner city schools, to the hospital, to the courts and to prison cells; to recovery homes and back again until, one by one, gang members finally transform their lives.
Check out my NEW Book: The Resilience Blueprint
Rachel Wales
Chief Administrative Officer
As the Chief Administrative Officer, Rachel manages the organization’s financial accounts, onboarding of new employees and payroll, compliance and reporting.
The effects of incarceration reach beyond prison walls. Rachel was only six months old when her brother, Arthur Soriano, was sentenced to 17 years in prison. Arthur’s cycles of incarceration caused Rachel to feel betrayed and confused. However, their sibling bond was resilient, and they eventually found their way back to one another. After seeing a true transformation through his involvement in the community and the founding of Youth Empowerment, Rachel knew Arthur had changed for the better. Today, they strive to give back to their communities and help others who are living a story similar to their own.
Alexis J. Crespo
Chief Program & Development
Alexis J. Crespo serves as the Chief of Program & Development at Youth Empowerment, where she specializes in strategic operations and program management. With a sharp focus on development and innovation, Alexis oversees our youth division and spearheads the creation of new programs and initiatives.
Her responsibilities extend beyond program management to include oversight of marketing and outreach efforts. Alexis plays a crucial role in developing opportunities with key stakeholders, partnerships, and donors, ensuring that Youth Empowerment's vision aligns with community needs and organizational goals.
Her expertise in fostering significant relationships and her strategic approach to development are instrumental in advancing our mission to empower youth through targeted programs and meaningful collaborations
Our Leads
-
Gabby Soriano
PARENT COORDINATOR
Gabby Soriano serves as the Parent Coordinator for our Parents on a Mission program, where she facilitates healing-centered support groups designed specifically for caregivers and guardians. With a deep commitment to family restoration and empowerment, Gabby creates a space where parents can learn, grow, and lead with love.
Her approach blends compassion, structure, and real-life strategies—helping parents strengthen their relationships, break generational cycles, and become advocates for their families. Gabby’s leadership ensures that every session is impactful, honest, and rooted in community.
-
Michelle Wales
DIRECTOR OF SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Michelle Wales serves as the Director of School Programs at Youth Empowerment, where she leads the design and day-to-day coordination of all school-based initiatives. She ensures operational excellence by managing staff access to case management systems, overseeing attendance tracking, and organizing mentor engagement across school sites.
Michelle’s leadership is vital to maintaining program consistency, data integrity, and strong school partnerships—ultimately enabling our team to deliver impactful, trauma-informed support to students across the region.
-
Sheffah Chevis
LEAD FOR ADULT REENTRY PROGRAM
Sheffah Chevis leads our Adult Mentorship Program at Youth Empowerment, serving nearly 200 mentees annually with specialized support for adults aged 18 to 60 on Post-Release Community Supervision. The program features curriculums like The Courage to Change and Parents on a Mission, focusing on personal development and family relationships to help reduce recidivism and support community re-engagement. Funded through fundraising, contracts, and grants, the program benefits from mentors with lived experience and trauma-informed training.
-
Hector Martinez
LEAD FOR YOUTH AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAM
Our After-School Program, Co- led by Hector Martinez, provides a dynamic and supportive environment where youth can participate in a range of activities that extend their learning beyond the traditional classroom. The program focuses on personal growth, social-emotional development, and career exploration, ensuring that each participant receives tailored support and guidance. With a variety of engaging activities and opportunities, the program fosters a community where young individuals can thrive, discover new interests, and develop essential life skills in a safe and nurturing setting.
