Meet Roberta | Co-Founder/Executive Director

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

Hi Roberta, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My decision to start my own organization came from both personal experience and professional insight gained over more than 20 years working in the nonprofit and human services field. As a formerly incarcerated teen, I understand firsthand how important it is for individuals to have access to support, guidance, resources, and people who genuinely believe in their ability to succeed. Many years ago, I walked into an organization similar to the one I would later create, and it truly changed my life. That experience stayed with me and inspired me to one day pay it forward by creating a space where people could feel supported, connected, and empowered.

Throughout my career, I had the opportunity to work closely with individuals and families facing significant challenges, and I began to notice recurring gaps in services and community engagement. In many cases, valuable programs and resources already existed, but community members were either unaware of them or service providers were not doing enough to effectively connect people to those services. I also saw how disconnected organizations could become when operating in silos, despite having the same goal of helping the community thrive.

In 2013, the vision for Project Hope CA began to take shape in my heart. I could clearly see the need for an organization that would serve as a bridge between community members and service providers, not only connecting people to resources, but also creating opportunities for collaboration, networking, and stronger partnerships among agencies. I believed that by working together, we could create a more informed, supported, and resilient community.

That vision officially became reality in 2018 when Project Hope CA was founded. Since the beginning, community engagement and reentry services have always been central to our mission. We recognized early on that individuals returning to the community after incarceration often face barriers that can make successful reintegration difficult without proper support and opportunities.

Today, our organization focuses heavily on community engagement through outreach events, resource fairs, workshops, collaborative partnerships, and direct support services. Our reentry component provides mentorship, case management, workforce development, employment readiness support, life skills training, community referrals, and emotional support to help individuals successfully transition back into society and build sustainable futures. Our goal is to reduce barriers, restore confidence, and help individuals recognize their value and potential.

Starting Project Hope CA was never just about creating a business, it was about creating impact, restoring hope, and building stronger connections within the community. My passion has always been rooted in service, advocacy, and ensuring that people know they are seen, supported, and valued.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
What sets Project Hope CA apart is that our work is rooted in lived experience, authenticity, community connection, and genuine passion for serving others. We are not an organization that simply works in the community, we are part of the community. Many of the people we serve can relate to our stories, our struggles, and our journeys, which allows us to build trust and create meaningful relationships that go beyond traditional services.

My journey to where I am today professionally was not something that happened overnight. Over the years, I worked my way through many different roles in this field, and each one taught me something valuable. I started as a Gang Intervention and Outreach Worker, spending countless hours in the streets building relationships, mediating conflicts, supporting high-risk youth, and connecting families to resources. From there, I grew into positions as a Case Manager, Program Coordinator, Program Director, and Executive Assistant before eventually stepping into nonprofit leadership and co-founding my own organization. Every role gave me a deeper understanding of both the community’s needs and the inner workings of effective programs and organizations.

One of the things I am most proud of is that Project Hope CA was built with heart, vision, and collective effort. It would not have been possible without the incredible people who believed in the vision and helped bring it to life, especially my two fellow Co-Founders and the dedicated team of volunteers who gave their time, energy, and compassion to the communities we serve. In the early days, we wore many hats and did whatever was necessary to make things happen because we truly believed in the mission.

The journey, however, was far from easy. Starting and running an organization taught me that nonprofit leadership is about much more than the smiles you see, the events you attend, or the lives you impact publicly. Behind the scenes, there are countless responsibilities, sacrifices, and challenges that people often do not see. I had to learn the business side of running an organization, operations, compliance, budgeting, funding, staffing, reporting, strategic planning, partnerships, and sustainability. There were many sleepless nights, moments of self-doubt, tears, frustrations, and times when I questioned whether I could continue. Building something meaningful requires resilience, sacrifice, and the willingness to grow through discomfort.

But through every challenge came growth. Every obstacle strengthened my leadership, expanded my knowledge, and deepened my understanding of what it truly takes to build and sustain an organization that serves people with integrity and purpose. Today, I can honestly say there is not an area within the organization that I am unfamiliar with because I took the time to learn every aspect of the work from the ground up. That journey shaped me not only as a leader, but as a woman, mentor, advocate, and entrepreneur.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that purpose-driven work requires patience, consistency, humility, and faith. You cannot build strong community relationships overnight, and you cannot create lasting impact without genuinely caring about people. I’ve also learned the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and surrounding yourself with individuals who share your vision and values.

What I want the world to know about me and our brand is that Project Hope CA was built from lived experience, compassion, and a deep desire to create change. Our story is one of redemption, resilience, restoration, and hope. We believe people deserve opportunities, support, and spaces where they can heal, grow, and thrive regardless of their past circumstances. Everything we do is centered around empowering people, strengthening communities, and reminding others that transformation and healing is possible.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was visiting for a week, I’d definitely want them to experience the heart of Pomona and some of the beautiful beaches throughout Los Angeles County. I’d want the trip to be a mix of culture, food, relaxation, and community.

We’d spend time exploring downtown Pomona and the Pomona Arts Colony because it has so much character, creativity, and culture. I’d take them to local restaurants and taco spots because Pomona has some amazing food and family-owned businesses that truly represent the community. We’d check out local art, music, and probably spend an evening just enjoying the vibe of the city.

I’d also want them to experience the community side of things because that’s such an important part of who I am and what I do. If possible, I’d bring them to one of the community events hosted by Project Hope CA so they could see firsthand how people come together to support one another. Some of the most inspiring people I know are community leaders, mentors, and individuals who have transformed their own lives and now dedicate themselves to helping others. Those spaces are filled with resilience, healing, culture, and hope.

For relaxation and fun, we’d definitely spend a couple of days at the beach, probably places like Santa Monica Pier or Huntington Beach. There’s nothing better than good food, ocean air, music, and just taking in the Southern California atmosphere.

For me, the best part of this area is the diversity, resilience, culture, and people. Pomona especially has a strong sense of community and authenticity that you can feel the moment you’re there, and that’s something I’d definitely want my best friend to experience.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people and organizations that deserve recognition in my journey because none of us get where we are alone. Every chapter of my life, both the struggles and the victories, has been shaped by people who poured into me, challenged me, believed in me, and even doubted me.

First and foremost, I want to give a heartfelt shoutout to Champions In Service, the first organization that welcomed me in during a very crucial time in my life. They saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself and gave me my first opportunity to work in this field. That opportunity changed the trajectory of my life and planted the seed for the work I do today. Sometimes all a person needs is for someone to believe in them long enough for them to begin believing in themselves.

I also want to recognize Steve Kim, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Project Kinship. Over the years, Steve has been more than just a mentor, he has been a true brother. His guidance, encouragement, leadership, and commitment to community transformation have impacted not only my journey, but the lives of countless others. Having people in your corner who genuinely want to see you grow makes a tremendous difference.

I also want to thank the people who did not believe in me. The ones who questioned me, overlooked me, underestimated me, or counted me out. In many ways, they fueled a deeper determination within me. Their doubt pushed me to work harder, dream bigger, and remain committed to proving that your past does not define your future. Sometimes opposition becomes part of the motivation.

One of my biggest shoutouts goes to my four boys. They were still very young when I entered this field, and they sacrificed a lot of time with me while I dedicated myself to supporting the wellness and healing of others in the community. There were long hours, difficult seasons, and moments where the work demanded so much of me, yet they continued to love and support me through it all. Everything I do is rooted in creating a better future not only for my family, but for the families in our community as well.

And above all, I give all honor and thanks to God. My journey has not been easy, and there were many moments where I did not know how I would continue forward. But through every obstacle, setback, challenge, and victory, God gave me the strength, resilience, wisdom, and faith to persevere. Without that foundation, none of this would have been possible.

As a woman leading in this field, it also brings me great pride to see how much things have evolved over the years. When I first started, it was rare to see female-led organizations in spaces like reentry, intervention, and community violence prevention. Today, more women are stepping into leadership roles, using their voices, experiences, and vision to create change in their communities. Watching that evolution has been inspiring, and I’m proud to be part of a generation of women helping pave the way for others to lead boldly and unapologetically.

At the end of the day, my story is not just about me, it’s about community, resilience, redemption, and the power of people coming together to uplift one another. Every person who played a role in my life helped shape the woman and leader I am today.

Website: https://www.projecthopeca.org

Instagram: projecthopeca

Linkedin: Project Hope CA