Helping homeboys: Founder of gang outreach to keynote at Central Leadership Conference

by:Brian Brickweg
Staff Reporter

World-renowned speaker Father Greg Boyle will be coming to Central Washington University this week as part of the second annual Central Leadership Conference. The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Feb. 19, in the Student Union and Recreation Center (SURC) and will be hosted by the Center for Excellence and Leadership (CEL).

Father Boyle is the executive director and founder of Homeboy Industries (HI), a program dedicated to solving the escalating problems facing gangs and youth.
“You’re going to meet an amazing individual who has done truly inspiring work,” said Marian Lien, interim director of the Diversity Education Center.

Lien had the opportunity to meet Father Boyle in Los Angeles in November of last year.
According to Lien, there are over 275 young people going through HI everyday, participating in activities such as vocational classes, computer programming, parenting classes and anything that provides a foundation for successful adulthood. All classes are free and provide jobs for youth.

“We’re just thrilled he’s coming to campus,” said Jesse Nelson, director of CEL. “To me, his message resonates with all of us because it’s really about the human condition and how we can help one another.”

Boyle’s speech, “Tattoos on the Heart: Lessons from the Barrio,” focuses on his belief in support of young people’s needs for positive adult mentorship. His speech will also highlight stories about his work throughout the years with youth in tough spots.

“I am amazed by everything he has done and hopes to do in the future,” said CEL staff member, Pamela Alvarado, senior communications major. “He is a very positive role model.”

According to Nelson, there are four workshop options students may attend each hour of the conference. Workshops will include, “Leadership in Our Career and Our Professional Lifespan,” “Leadership in Our Communities,” “The Roots of Leadership” and “Leadership Through Our Years.”
“Our hope is that students who come can find some topics and interest areas that definitely relate to them,” Nelson said. “Regardless of your major or career goals, leadership is something that can benefit you whether it’s with your work life or personal life.”
According to Alvarado, many students from the Central campus, and local high school students will be attending the event.

“From what I’ve heard of this conference, I believe that I would be able to take away valuable insights, which will help me better myself professionally and personally,” said Brittany Skelcher, senior accounting and business management major.

Boyle, who was born in Los Angeles, was one of eight children. He decided to become a Jesuit and was eventually ordained as a priest in 1984.

Dating back to 1988, at the Dolores Mission Parish, HI got its start as “Jobs for a Future.”
Later, Jobs for a Future evolved into different branches that provides jobs for gang members trying to find a way off the streets. Homeboy Bakery, the first business of HI founded in 1994, brought former members of rival gangs to work side-by-side, making baked goods.

“He is very inspiring to others, and his contributions to the world,” Alvarado said. “What he is doing for HI, not just for men, but for women.”

Later, other divisions of HI were started, including Homegirl Café, which is staffed by 25 young women and holds cooking classes. Homeboy Maintenance works on cleaning up the community by removing graffiti, moving and hauling items, and landscaping.

Homeboy Merchandising is a retail store that sells casual wear, backpacks and other items with the Homeboy logo. Homeboy Silkscreen & Embroidery helps at-risk or gang-related youth work to become a positive part of society by producing custom shirts, pens, office supplies and more.
Boyle is a well-known expert on gangs and a nationally recognized speaker on the topic of troubled youth. He has also been nationally recognized for his service in helping people find jobs and quality schooling. He has been in the business for 22 years and his program is commended as the largest gang intervention in Los Angeles County.

The conference is free for all Central students and faculty and is $20 for general admission.