Today we’d like to introduce you to Alba Danely.
Hi Alba, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, I felt compelled to take action and stand up for the struggling small business owners who were overlooked and left to fend for themselves. Witnessing the devastating impact on those who received no financial aid or support from the government was a stark reminder of the deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities faced by marginalized business owners, especially those from BIPOC backgrounds.
My journey has been shaped by resilience and a drive to overcome adversity. Looking back to the 2008 economic crisis, known as “the great recession,” my immigrant parents faced immense financial challenges, leading them to lose their stability and cherished rental properties. The scars from that difficult period still linger, constantly reminding us of the unwavering struggle we endured as a family.
Fast forward to 2020, I found my calling in my chosen field and developed a strong voice that demanded attention. I surrounded myself with a compassionate network of volunteers dedicated to empowering foster care youth and positively impacting our community. It became clear to me that marginalized youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, and the entire community deserved access to transformative resources and opportunities.
This inspired the birth of Our Generation Cares, an initiative driven by an insatiable desire to bridge gaps, uplift the marginalized, and empower the next generation of change-makers. We embrace a profound social responsibility toward foster care youth and strive to redefine health, success, and the markets we operate in.
Our journey started with a humble community project called “Coco Beach Presents,” which emerged from the parking lot of a struggling restaurant in Long Beach, California. This endeavor caught the attention of Ellen DeGeneres and was featured on her show, amplifying our impact. With unwavering determination, we transformed the space into a vibrant youth volunteer kitchen and venue, becoming a hub for young artists, musicians, and creators. It became a sanctuary where the community found solace, healing, and self-expression through creative endeavors and volunteerism.
Driven by our ambitions, we launched OG Cares Labs in 2022—an extension of Our Generation Cares. Our aim was to revolutionize education and workforce readiness by establishing STEAM Lab Makerspaces in community centers and local spaces. These immersive environments fostered inclusivity, nurturing creativity, sparking innovation, and encouraging collaboration. We provided youth workforce development programs, cutting-edge 21st-century skills training, and unwavering arts and entertainment industry support. As a result, aspiring individuals aged 17 to 24 were granted unprecedented opportunities to develop their talents, pursue their passions, and amplify their voices for youth social justice.
Through the collective efforts of Our Generation Cares, we aspire to create lasting transformations and significantly impact the lives of those we serve. Our ambition knows no bounds, and we will not rest until social systems align with the needs of our communities. By equipping young individuals with the tools, they need to succeed, we aim to inspire a generation of social entrepreneurs who will continue to catalyze positive change, creating a ripple effect of hope and transformation in their own communities.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Our path has been a tumultuous one, fraught with numerous challenges that tested our resilience and determination. One of the greatest hurdles we faced was the lack of support from the city of Long Beach, which had a profound impact on our journey. We encountered obstacles such as pending business licenses and an adjacent park, “Centennial Rotary Park,” that had been neglected since 2020, leaving it vulnerable to daily encroachment by homeless individuals and resulting in multiple thefts and acts of vandalism. These daunting circumstances made our mission of uplifting the community all the more arduous.
Additionally, we were confronted with the harsh reality of the digital divide during the pandemic. As the world rapidly transitioned to a digital and touchless environment, we found ourselves in a low-income area of Long Beach, lacking both accessibility and affordability to high-speed internet. It was an uphill battle, as we had to resort to taking the kids to places like Starbucks and public spaces just to access free Wi-Fi for essential tasks. This struggle only deepened our resolve to overcome adversity and create opportunities for those in need.
Despite the immense challenges we faced, we persevered, forging a path through the heart of Long Beach. We brought together an inspiring team of transition-aged youth from the foster care system who shared our vision and were in dire need of mentorship and work opportunities to thrive in their chosen fields. This pivotal moment forced me to confront my own limitations and realize that I couldn’t do it alone. I had to learn the power of healing, evolving, and, most importantly, asking for help—a lesson that transformed my for-profit mindset into one grounded in community support and advocacy.
The transition wasn’t easy. Learning to ask for help in a nonprofit sector driven by collective efforts rather than individual profits was a profound challenge. But I soon discovered that in our community-based organization, when we couldn’t afford something, we had to turn to our community, tirelessly advocate, and never cease asking for help until our needs were fulfilled. It was a transformative journey marked by personal growth and a deep understanding of the strength that lies in collaboration and unity.
Our path has been far from smooth, but it is precisely through overcoming these obstacles that we have grown stronger and more determined in our mission. We remain unwavering in our commitment to creating lasting change and uplifting the lives of those we serve. With the support of our community, we continue to navigate the challenges that come our way, fueled by the belief that together, we can make a significant impact and inspire a ripple effect of hope and transformation.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As the visionary behind Our Generation Cares (OGC), our mission is to empower underserved youth (ages 14-24) within marginalized communities by providing them with invaluable resources that ignite their passion and purpose. We are driven by a burning desire to break down barriers and level the playing field for these young individuals who have been overlooked for far too long. At OGC, we trust in the power of collective action and community engagement. Throughout the month, we engage in a wide range of initiatives, from homeless outreach to community entertainment and outreach events. These efforts allow us to connect with the community, address their immediate needs, and foster a sense of unity and belonging.
We believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to flourish and reach their full potential. That’s why our work goes beyond just offering apprenticeships, mentorship, and training. We are on a relentless pursuit to transform lives, fuel dreams, and create a future where socioeconomic disparities are a thing of the past.
Our apprenticeship intermediaries serve as powerful connectors, bridging the gap between young people and potential employers. Through these partnerships, we open doors to hands-on experiences that sharpen skills, inspire creativity, and pave the way for meaningful careers. By matching young individuals with opportunities aligned with their talents and aspirations, we unleash a world of possibilities that were once out of reach.
Our mentorship programs provide the guidance and support that young people need to navigate life’s challenges and overcome adversity. Our network of caring adults becomes a beacon of hope, offering advice, encouragement, and resources to help them realize their dreams. We firmly believe that with the right mentor by their side, these young individuals can conquer any obstacle and become powerful advocates for youth social justice.
But our impact doesn’t stop there. We are thrilled to introduce our latest initiative, OG Cares Labs, located at our community center “Grace on 3rd.” This groundbreaking endeavor aims to promote STEAM education and workforce readiness by building STEAM Lab Makerspaces in community centers and local spaces. Within these innovative spaces, we focus on creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that fosters creativity, innovation, and collaboration.
And let’s not forget about life skills and entrepreneurship training. We equip our youth with the practical tools they need to manage their finances, build their careers, and succeed in life. We empower them with the knowledge and skills to not only secure employment but also to create their own opportunities. We unleash the spirit of entrepreneurship within them, nurturing the next generation of changemakers and community leaders.
Our Generation Cares is more than an organization—it’s a movement that thrives on the power of collaboration and community. Together, with our small business partners, dedicated volunteers, and the support of the community, we are rewriting the narrative for underserved youth. Join us as we create a world where their dreams know no boundaries, where STEAM education is accessible to all, and where innovation and collaboration flourish. Together, we can empower the next generation of change-makers and build a brighter future for all.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I firmly believe that calculated risks are essential for personal and professional growth. Throughout my journey with Our Generation Cares, I have encountered and embraced numerous major risks that have shaped the organization and propelled us forward.
The Coco Beach Project stands as a testament to the calculated risks we’ve taken and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. It served as a beacon of hope for foster youth in Los Angeles, awakening a sense of purpose and providing them with opportunities they so desperately needed. At the heart of this project was a workforce development program, which brought together young unemployed artists, foster care youth, and those experiencing homelessness to create a space that was both vibrant and inclusive.
Undoubtedly, we faced numerous challenges throughout this endeavor. Securing support and investment for a restaurant that was initially deemed unworthy was no small feat. However, we remained steadfast in our vision, persevered through the obstacles, and transformed the venue into a thriving hub of creativity and community connection. Yet, the journey was not without its difficulties. So Cal Edison’s blocking of our service establishment meant we had to rely on a gas-powered generator for limited operations. Moreover, the escalating issues of homelessness and theft further compounded our challenges. The absence of power led to darkened spaces, making it an ideal environment for criminal activity. Ultimately, the cumulative risks we took resulted in the closure of both our workforce program and the restaurant itself.
Nevertheless, we approached this setback with resilience and optimism. We held our heads high, taking it as a learning experience. As we embraced the year 2023, we forged collaborations and utilized the invaluable connections and opportunities that emerged from the Coco Beach Project. Although the journey had its setbacks, the lessons learned and the connections formed continue to shape our mission and work today.
It is through moments like these that we grow, adapt, and refine our approach. While the closure of the workforce program and the restaurant may have been challenging, they served as stepping stones toward our greater purpose. We remain committed to empowering underserved youth and fostering positive change in our community. By reflecting on our experiences and the risks we’ve taken, we strengthen our resolve to face future challenges head-on, armed with the knowledge that setbacks can lead to new beginnings and unexpected opportunities.
Overall, risk-taking has been an integral part of my personal journey, propelling me forward in my mission to empower underserved youth and promote social justice. To make a real impact, I had to confront my fear of self-expression and public rejection. I recognized the importance of stepping outside my comfort zone and using my voice to advocate for those who have been overlooked. Taking a leap of faith, I picked up the microphone and embarked on a path of public speaking, fully aware of the potential judgment and uncertainty that awaited me. Yet, I embraced the discomfort, understanding that growth often stems from pushing past our limitations. By embracing vulnerability and acknowledging that there is always more to learn, I adopted the mindset of “I know, I know nothing,” which has contributed to my wisdom and expanded my perspective.
In reflecting on these risks, I recognize that they have shaped not only the trajectory of OGC but also my own personal growth. I have learned that taking calculated risks, whether in business ventures or personal development, can lead to unforeseen opportunities and transformation. By embracing discomfort and challenging myself to step outside of my comfort zone, I have cultivated resilience, wisdom, and the ability to navigate uncertain situations.
Pricing:
- Youth Annual Membership: Free
- OGC Annual Membership: $299
- Donations
- In-kind services
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ourgenerationcares.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourgenerationcares
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ogclabs/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/91082651
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTRXdlPncjoRB3YXdxr0B3Q
Image Credits
Volunteers: Drew Aguilar, Almadelia Lorenzano, Yosio Zaragoza, Miguel Soto, Kevin Tovar, Erick Garcia, Jamie Armstead, Shelly Guevara, Michael Rebollo, Alberto Pineda
