Rafael Robles — Director
"I understand the feeling of being overlooked during one's youth. As a young man, I joined gangs and witnessed firsthand how easily children can feel invisible. However, individuals who invested in me, believed in me, and guided me helped redirect my life. Today, we strive to provide every child with that same experience—we are present, we believe in them, and we never give up on them."
The Epic Leadership Center was established by Christine Wood, a fervent advocate for children who believed every young individual deserved recognition, value, and a chance to succeed, particularly those in neighborhoods where many are overlooked or forgotten. Chris dedicated her life to investing in children, fostering relationships, and creating opportunities that offered hope to young people who needed someone to believe in them.
As board members, we are honored to continue this vision. Having grown up in Ventura, we are familiar with many of the challenges the youth we serve face daily. My personal journey—from gang involvement to a life transformed through faith, mentorship, and community—fuels our unique passion for reaching children who others might overlook.
Rather than replacing Chris's vision, Rafael is dedicated to expanding upon it. Together with his wife, Lorisa, he carries forward the mission of Epic Leadership Center by broadening opportunities through tutorship, mentorship, and life coaching, while staying true to the core of the organization: building meaningful relationships that transform lives.
Rafael believes true transformation starts not with a program, but when a child realizes someone genuinely cares. Every conversation, tutoring session, mentoring relationship, and act of encouragement conveys one simple message: You matter. Your life has purpose. Your future is worth investing in.
