“I get to be the adult that I didn’t have when I was growing up.”
Miguel Navarro, a leader in the Los Angeles Region through Multiplying Good, is one of the first Students to become a Board Member. He shares his story about growing up in Compton, California, and how it influenced him to get into community service.
“I was born in Pasadena, California, but my coming-of-age years were spent in Compton. It isn’t where anybody wants to be – at least that’s the stigma. I was scared, but I committed myself to doing good things. I always tried to find a way to give back to my community.”
Miguel spent 3 years in the Multiplying Good Los Angeles SIA program, where he transitioned from being a self-proclaimed introvert to becoming a leader of our SIA alumni board. As he graduated and became the first person in his family to earn a degree, Miguel's talent in graphic design led him to a position for Crypto.com Arena, an entertainment space that has presented almost every major indoor sporting event and concert in Southern California.
“Students in Action provided me with the tools, skills, and assets necessary to make that change in the community. Even if it was just me on a team, I am enough to make the difference, even as one person. At the core of SIA is empowerment. Whether you’re a board member, or facilitator, or student, at the end of the day there’s this exchange of enthusiasm going on.”
He credits his ability to interact with executives, which got him his dream job, to his SIA experience.
“As a board member, I get to facilitate the trainings now. As a professional, I have a different perspective. I can offer more to the students. I’m taking what I learned and giving it back.”
