Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Luca
Hi Roberto, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My story begins during the era of the so-called “superpredator,” growing up in Los Angeles, in the heart of the Pico-Union area, amidst the height of the crack cocaine epidemic. It was a turbulent time when the LAPD sprayed over gang tags on the walls, and the city was plagued with violence and chaos.
I was born at Cedars-Sinai Hospital back when it was still in Hollywood — I guess you could say I was born in Hollywood. But my home environment was far from the glamour the name implies. It was dysfunctional, to say the least. My father was deeply co-dependent, and my mother battled alcoholism for as long as I can remember. I understand now that they had their own trauma to work through, but back then, I was an angry kid. I turned to the streets, where I was introduced to gang life, drug dealing, guns, and prostitution.
At the age of 16, in 1989, I was arrested for a drive-by shooting. I spent the next 28 years incarcerated. But at 42, the Board of Parole Hearings deemed me suitable for release, recognizing that I was no longer a threat to society. During my time inside, I dedicated myself to education and developed a growth mindset. I was released in 2017.
Since then, I’ve been on a remarkable journey. I was part of the founding group of students at Raising Scholars, participated in the first Forensic Independent Gang College at Loyola Marymount University. I’ve worked for two of the largest reentry organizations in Los Angeles — the Anti-Recidivism Coalition and the Amity Foundation. These roles allowed me to develop my skills as a leader, expand programs, build networks, and forge connections with community colleges, all to help returning citizens find a pathway to a better life.
As a member of Mass Liberation, a successful reentry organization in Torrance, I’ve dedicated my time and my life to the service of others in our community. My journey is a testament to the power of transformation and the impact that one person can make in the lives of many.
That is a small glimpse into my story.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Life has not been a smooth road for me — it never is for anyone. Over the past seven years, I’ve faced countless setbacks and challenges. People see me now, driving a Range Rover, and think I’ve always had it together. They have no idea that I was once convicted of two life sentences and was never supposed to be free. I was never supposed to be living this amazing and beautiful life, making a living wage, and providing for my family. I was never supposed to feel worthy, valued, or capable of being loved. And yet, here I am.
I am loved. I am valued. Because I believe in the power of redemption, in the strength that comes from hard work and dedication, in learning from mistakes, and in the courage to be vulnerable. My strength lies in my faith. I’ve lived with death close to me for most of my life, and my experiences in prison taught me to live fearlessly. I own my life, fully and completely.
The struggles I face are not so different from those everyone faces: relationships, finances, health, meeting needs, finding happiness and joy in life. I’ve learned that we all struggle in our ways because we are all human. My struggles are no different than yours. We are connected by our shared humanity, and I embrace that every day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a passionate advocate for reentry and social justice, dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals find their way back into society with dignity and a sense of purpose. My work revolves around creating opportunities and building support networks for those coming out of the prison system, ensuring they have access to education, meaningful employment, and, most importantly, a community that truly believes in their potential.
What I love most about my work is the chance to empower those who are often forgotten or judged. To me, empowerment means meeting people where they are, walking alongside them as they navigate their transition, and providing the tools, support, and opportunities they need to heal. It means creating spaces where they feel safe, where they can rest, find belonging, and feel like a part of society rather than apart from it. It’s about helping them to see that they are valued and have something meaningful to contribute.
I am most proud of the impact I’ve had on my three stepchildren, sharing my love and heart with them, and learning from them every day. They’ve taught me that I still have so much to learn — about love, patience, and the power of showing up authentically.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering confidence in my place in this world. My motto is simple: “I belong.” No matter where I am or what I face, I know that I have a right to be here, to stand tall, and to make a difference. I don’t just live this belief for myself; I pass it on to everyone I work with, showing them that they, too, belong in every space they choose to enter, no matter their past.
I am here to prove that redemption is real, that healing is possible, and that every person deserves a chance to rebuild and thrive. I am here to say, with every ounce of my being: We all belong.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
My philosophy on risk is to embrace life and every opportunity with courage and without hesitation. Whether it’s financial risk, the risk of putting your heart on the line in relationships or taking bold steps in your career, I believe in facing these challenges head-on. I’d rather juggle three jobs than stay in a place where I’m not valued. Risk is an essential part of growth — it’s the process that shapes us, builds resilience, and pushes us to become the best version of ourselves. To truly live, you must become comfortable with taking risks, knowing they are the stepping stones to achieving greatness
Contact Info:
- Website: https://massliberation.net
- Instagram: #masslibreentry
- Facebook: masss liberation
- Other: https://filmshortage.com/dailyshortpicks/the-lifers-network/
