Origins of LetUP - Leaders Empowering Teens United for Peace Founder/Director Windy W. Warren Ph.D. (warren@letup.org) is a Caucasian mother of two, wife of over twenty years, and teacher, crisis counselor, college professor and/or community liaison since 1984. She holds a Masters Degree in Health and Physical Education and a Doctor of Philosophy in Relational Psychology. As a young teen, she was bused to six different elementary and secondary schools to facilitate racial desegregation in Tennessee. In order to finance her Bachelor's Degree, she acquired a minority scholarship to a predominantly African-American university. In 1984, she moved to San Pedro, began working in Los Angeles Unified Schools, and transferred to San Pedro High School in 1996 in order to become more involved in her community. Her passion is helping youth. She also thrives on physical and mental challenges, adventure, diversity, and positive change in others. Dr. Warren was awarded the San Pedro Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Teacher Award for San Pedro High for her crisis intervention and violence prevention work. Her goal is to expand LetUP Leadership to other schools because "it would be a shame to limit such a powerful program to only one school." She believes that "life is an adventure, so make the most of it by using your God-given talents for good." Founding Members Matt is a nineteen-year-old Latino-American who was raised by his grandfather as an only child while his parents worked. After his parents divorced, he lived with his mother for a while, and then with his father during high school years. Matt was drawn into the brotherhood attraction of a gang at age 16, during which time he sold drugs, drank heavily, stole, physically injured opposing gang members, and flunked his Tenth Grade year. Matt is highly aware of what's right and wrong, and has no problem admitting his faults and correcting mistakes. Consequently, when his conscience and others' advice became too loud to ignore, he braved the physical assault of getting "jumped out" and formally renounced his gang ties. Matt refocused on school, graduated on time, and subsequently joined the army to help stay out of trouble. Matt has few fears and is a person of action and compassion. He enjoys open conversation and chooses his words carefully and with conviction. Matt learned that there is no replacement for one's own family when he realized how important it is to "pick your associations. Don't let them pick you." Laura is part Latino and part Native American, a heritage of which she is very proud. Ninth Grade started her tailspin of trouble and depression when her alcoholic father deserted the family and left three siblings with a drug-addicted mother. Laura was hospitalized for a suicide attempt, failed most of the school year, and spent five weeks in juvenile jail. Her father's recovery and court-ordered custody of the children revitalized her purpose. She changed from straight fails in school to a 3.5 grade point average. Laura is an open book, unafraid to tell her story and admit her mistakes. She is honest, compassionate, loyal to her family, has a positive attitude, and overcomes obstacles. Laura is determined to be a good role model, to finish her education, and to "keep her head up and never give up when things don't go as planned." Hisa is a six-foot Jamaican and African-American who was raised by her hard-working mother due to her father's extensive time in prison. During ninth grade, she struggled with anxiety, depression, and failing grades, but, as she began to use her natural leadership in a positive way; her outlook and grades improved. Hisa's confidence, enthusiasm, outspoken and good-hearted nature, and, of course, her size, make her a stand-out in any crowd. She is fiercely loyal to her mother, siblings, and friends, and is trusted and sought after by her peers for her confidential listening and good advice. Hisa graduated in 2002. During her senior and post-graduate year, she spoke at the annual San Pedro Chamber of Commerce "Celebration of Women" luncheon, was awarded "Youth of the Year by the Boys and Girls Club of America, and "Future Leader of Los Angeles" by the Los Angeles Unified School District. She believes that in all situations, "if things go wrong and the light fades, don't follow disaster, change the light bulb." Kyonna is part Caucasian and part African-American, whose parents were never married but are both very supportive of Kyonna and each other. She lives in Carson with her mother, who expects good grades and high ethical standards. Kyonna's father is a former gang member who made his biggest turn-around when she was born. In elementary and junior high school, Kyonna associated with gang members, was shot at three times, and had a close friend who was shot and killed. She purposefully chose to attend San Pedro High's magnet program to get away from early negative influences of her own neighborhood. Kyonna graduated in 2004, maintained a 3.0 grade point average, won the President's Award in English, and has plans to return to San Pedro High as an English teacher. Kyonna is friendly, fun, helpful, outgoing, and outspoken, and is a mother figure to her peers. She is not afraid to speak the truth as she sees it, and is determined to "never allow others to dictate your actions, but follow your own heart." Abel is a Latino-American only child who was raised primarily by his mother, though both parents remain supportive and friendly. He was jumped into a gang at the age of sixteen, and, for almost two years, received excessive fails at school and threats by opposing gangs to the degree that he was sent away to live with his father until things calmed down. Abel turned himself around when parental disappointment was at its highest and school administrators promised to kick him out if he didn't straighten up. He graduated in 2002 after completing eight classes his final semester with a B average. He was also awarded a $500 college scholarship for his year and a half commitment to the peacekeeping efforts of San Pedro High's LetUP Leadership program. Abel has a reputation for his straightforward yet approachable mediation skills. He is a person of his word, mature in his thoughts, and polite. He is currently committed to a job to help his mother pay bills. Abel stands on the principle that it is important to "speak your mind and always be real." Marquis is an African-American who was raised in a large family by his mother and stepfather, due to his father's extensive prison stays. During his first years at San Pedro High, Marquis was instrumental in creating a juvenile gang that quickly gained a reputation for unwarranted trouble. He has been personally affected by many deaths of friends and family members due to gang violence or illness, and his mother is currently struggling with terminal blood pressure. Marquis admittedly struggles on a roller coaster of successes and failures. He credits LetUP for directing him away from violence and hatred and towards positive choices. Marquis is open and honest about his shortcomings, passionate in the things he believes in, faithful to his friends and family, and determined to change for his mother and little brother. He has learned that it is important to "watch what you do today because you may regret it tomorrow."

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