Meet Perla Mendoza | Advocate & Founder of Project Eli

We had the good fortune of connecting with Perla Mendoza and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Perla, how did you come up with the idea for your business?
Losing my beloved son Elijah, to ONE counterfeit pill containing a lethal dose of illicit fentanyl was the catalyst for starting Project Eli. Prior to this tragedy, I had no knowledge of fentanyl or the alarming practice of drug dealers creating counterfeit pills with it. As a grieving mother, I felt an urgent need to raise awareness about this dangerous substance that has claimed the lives of countless young people. I was frustrated by the lack of empathy from law enforcement, public knowledge of this crisis, and the realization that my son would not receive justice. It was a calling for me to sound the alarm and take action against this issue. As I delved deeper into understanding the complexities of the fentanyl crisis and its far-reaching consequences, I realized the need for a comprehensive approach to address the problem. This realization, combined with my background in human services, led me to conceptualize a nonprofit that could serve as a platform for advocacy, education, and support. My son, who was kind and trusting, did not deserve the deception that led to his untimely death. He was not seeking fentanyl. Honoring his memory and helping others became my purpose. I believe my son would want me to warn others and help prevent further tragedies. Although he may be seen as a statistic, I know that through sharing his story and the work I am doing, lives have been saved. Moreover, starting my nonprofit has given me autonomy and the ability to pursue my passion. I wanted to have control over my work, make a positive impact, and challenge myself to grow both personally and professionally. This endeavor allows me to turn my grief into action, channeling my energy towards something meaningful and impactful.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Risk-taking has played a pivotal role in both my life and career. The tragic loss of my son propelled me into unfamiliar territory, where I had to face the risks associated with starting my own business and advocating for awareness. Despite the uncertainty and challenges, I recognized the importance of taking risks to make a meaningful impact and save lives. In terms of my personal life, the decision to speak out and warn others about the dangers of illicit fentanyl involved risks. It meant stepping out of my comfort zone, facing potential criticism or backlash, and navigating uncharted waters. However, the potential reward of saving lives and honoring my son’s memory far outweighed those risks. Professionally, starting my own business was a risk in itself. It required me to invest time, resources, and energy into creating a platform to raise awareness and combat the fentanyl crisis. Taking this risk provided me with autonomy, the ability to pursue my passion, and the opportunity to make a positive impact. It also involved the risk of failure, but I firmly believe that the potential rewards and the lives that have been saved make it all worthwhile. Overall, risk-taking has been a driving force in my life and career. It has allowed me to transform tragedy into purpose, challenge the status quo, and create something meaningful. While risks can be daunting, they often lead to personal growth, learning, and the chance to make a difference in the lives of others.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
To have a fun weekend with a friend, we can begin by dining at Ola, a restaurant I truly enjoy. It has a great ambiance and a delicious menu. Since I love live music, I often incorporate some form of live entertainment into our plans. Depending on the friend, I might suggest cruising on my electric bikes and then heading to Ballast Point to catch the sunset. Another option is visiting Glen Ivy Spa in Corona, where we can unwind in a safe outdoor environment. Lastly, we could consider planning a trip to Temecula and staying at the beautiful South Coast Winery, which boasts a fabulous restaurant and stunning villas.

I would like to add a recommendation for Farmhouse at Roger’s Gardens in Newport Beach as a must-place to visit with friends. The ambiance of the restaurant is incredibly peaceful, surrounded by lush greenery and beauty. They offer a fresh farm-to-table menu that is sure to delight your taste buds. Additionally, they have an amazing Garden collection where you can shop for unique items.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shout out to my amazing husband who has been my rock. His unwavering support, patience, and love have been invaluable. He steps in whenever I need help and works tirelessly to provide the financial support our nonprofit requires.

Website: www.projecteli.info

Instagram: @elijahs.mama

Facebook: Project Eli

Other: loveslaborlostbook.com