Youth ALIVE!'s Deputy Director John Torres Represents at White House Roundtable on Preventing Gun Violence in Latino Communities

  Youth ALIVE!’s Deputy Director John Torres Represents at White House Roundtable on Preventing Gun Violence in Latino Communities

We are proud to announce that John Torres, our Deputy Director at Youth ALIVE!, was invited to share his expertise at the official White House Roundtable on Preventing Gun Violence in Latino Communities. This incredible honor came as part of the national observance of Hispanic Heritage Month, a meaningful celebration of culture, leadership, and progress.

A Proud Moment of Representation

This invitation was not just an acknowledgment of John’s deep knowledge and experience, but a recognition of the importance of representation in the fight to end violence. The White House Roundtable brought together leaders from across the nation, working to address the unique challenges faced by Latino communities affected by gun violence.

For John, the opportunity to bring Oakland’s perspective to a national stage was a phenomenal way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. His voice, rooted in years of service at Youth ALIVE!, reflects the experiences, struggles, and solutions that can drive meaningful change—locally and beyond.

Getting Together with Leaders Nationwide

The event was an opportunity to exchange insights with experts and advocates from across the country, all working toward common goals: healing communities, preventing violence, and promoting equity. Through sharing knowledge and experiences, the participants identified strategies to address the root causes of violence and discussed ways to create safer, healthier environments for future generations.

This gathering underscored the importance of collaboration and highlighted the need for policies that reflect the experiences of those most affected by violence. The inclusion of diverse voices, like John’s, ensures that Latino communities are seen, heard, and empowered as part of this important national dialogue.

Continuing the Fight for Safer Communities

At Youth ALIVE!, we know that violence prevention and intervention require dedication, resilience, and a deep connection to community. We are honored to have John represent our organization and the city of Oakland on a national platform. His participation in the roundtable reinforces our commitment to addressing the root causes of violence, uplifting underrepresented voices, and building safer, more equitable communities for all.

As we reflect on the significance of Hispanic Heritage Month, we are reminded that representation matters—in every conversation, in every decision, and in every space where change is made. This roundtable is a powerful example of how the experiences of Latino communities are shaping national policies and creating paths toward a brighter future.

Thank You, John

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to John Torres for his leadership, dedication, and tireless efforts. We are immensely proud to have him on our team, driving positive change in Oakland and beyond. His work at Youth ALIVE! continues to inspire us and demonstrates the importance of representation in every aspect of the fight for justice and safety.

At Youth ALIVE!, we believe in a world where everyone has the right to live free from violence. Together, we can make that vision a reality.

#YouthALIVE #GunViolencePrevention #HispanicHeritageMonth #RepresentationMatters #CommunityLeadership #Oakland