Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlos Vasquez.
Hi Carlos, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
At the age of 19, I was sentenced to 20 years in prison for armed robbery. I served a total of 17 years in correctional facilities. Before going to prison, my father left my mother, sister and I when I was 13 years old. I ran away and lived in the streets, inevitably joining a gang. I gave my entire life to the criminal world and became a leader of my own gang by the age of 16. At that time, I witnessed my best friend commit suicide in from of me while we played a game of Russian roulette. That completely rocked my world and led me on a violent and destructive path which landed me on a one way trip to prison (I say one way because I was never suppose to make it out). For 13 years, I continued on my criminal path while in California maximum security prisons, I became a “shot caller” and ran a criminal enterprise making thousands of dollars from my cell. I was lost morally and spiritually to say the least. Everything started to change in my life 13 years into my sentence. I was sitting in solitary confinement considering suicide. Life had just became too much for me to handle and I wanted to end it all. As I sat in my cell thinking about the razor I was going to use to cut my wrist, a Chaplin came up to my door and called me over. He talked to me and gave me a bible and challenged me to find my purpose and not give up. It was the first time in almost 20 years that a man actually spoke to me like a father and gave me positive advice that I can feel deep within my heart.
So, I started my transformation on that day and never looked back. I got out of solitary confinement and took back control of my life by telling everyone I was going to start doing right. It didn’t sit well with the people in prison and I was attacked for my decision. That didn’t stop me, I kept on my righteous path and for my next five years in prison, I earned two college degrees, Entrepreneurial Certification, Trades, multiple self-help courses, created programs and facilitated them, and became a Certified Mentor-working with diverse groups in workshop settings. I was doing the complete opposite of my former self. I no longer used my leadership to hurt others, instead I used it to help others and inspire positive transformation every chance I got. I paroled June 25, 2021. I walked out of prison a man with a purpose, mission, and clear about what I wanted to ultimately accomplish. I am a Program Coordinator and Social Media Manager at a nonprofit organization in Los Angeles called Partnership for ReEntry Program where we focus on transforming lives. I am Coach and Mentor in the process of launching my own business, I am a screenplay writer and Playwright with 8 Plays produced and two short films currently under production. I do public speaking and attend Defy Ventures (an Entrepreneurial Program). Obviously, there is much more to my story but I wanted to keep it brief. If you would like to know more information about me and hear my voice, I spoke on the following podcast: ROLL CALL WITH CHAPPY apple podcast EPISODE 8 (“its never too late”).
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The road to get to where I am now has definitely been a battle both physically and mentally. I was homeless, suicidal, an addict, a gang member and criminal by the age of 14. I developed PTSD from the violence I witnessed (including my best friend killing himself in front of me). I went to prison at 19 and entered a maximum security facility-young, violent, and with no self-worth. I got stabbed in prison, visited solitary confinement on multiple occasions, got assaulted by correctional officers and other inmates and came to my tipping point. I had to go through a lot before I found my success and happiness.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For as far back as I can remember, I have always loved to write. I started off writing music and poetry and through all of my struggles, I used writing as a way to cope and release my emotions. While in Prison, I joined an organization called: PLAYWRIGHTS PROJECT and since being with them, I have written eight 10-20 minute Plays based on various topics and have had the honor to see them produced. I have written monologues and speeches. Since being out, I transitioned my writing over to film where I have written two short films (currently under production). I just recently performed a monologue at the San Diego Repertory Theatre and have gotten more involved in acting. I have the honor of going back Into the prisons to teach playwriting to incarcerated men with this organization.
I currently work at a nonprofit organization called Partnership for ReEntry Program (PREP). My role is Program Coordinator and Social Media Manager. We work with incarcerated men and women, providing them self-help programs, support, and guidance through their transition from incarceration to freedom. With PREP, I have also had the opportunity to go back into two different prisons to speak and teach workshops.,
I am currently learning at an organization called Defy Ventures. They offer guidance with startups. When a clear business concept exists, they provide an opportunity to “pitch” the idea to investors. This is where I have created my Coaching business: How To Battle – Coaching for Conquering Self-Doubt and Building Confidence. My business will launch this year.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I want everyone to know that it doesn’t matter how life was or is, it can be better and you can find your purpose but it all starts with you! Sometimes it’s a battle but with the right mindset, you can gain the confidence to overcome anything. My mission is to inspire and motivate positive transformation in others every chance I get.
Contact Info:
- Email: carlosvasquez4566@gmail.com (personal) carlosvasquez@howtobattle.com (business)
- Website: howtobattle.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/carlos_s_vasquez
- Other: tiktok.com/@howtobattle
