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Hey everyone! I'm back and I am super excited to share this episode with you. This week, I will talk about Defy Ventures, how we partnered with them for Google Serve this year, and how you can get involved. This is a non-profit organization that is near and dear to my heart.

Defy Ventures: Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship 

Defy Ventures is a remarkable non-profit organization dedicated to helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship. By providing business training, mentorship, and funding opportunities, Defy Ventures empowers these individuals to become successful entrepreneurs and reintegrate into society with dignity and purpose.

Meet Carlos: CEO of How to Battle 

One inspiring story from Defy Ventures is that of Carlos who has transformed his life and is now making a significant impact on others. Despite the challenges he faced, Carlos's insatiable hunger for knowledge led him to the Drucker School of Management, where he earned a degree in entrepreneurship.

Armed with his education, Carlos founded "How to Battle," a consulting business that has become a transformative movement. Through his venture, Carlos shares his empowering message, offering keynote speeches and training in diverse arenas, including corporate and academic institutions, foster homes, and even the very prisons where he was once confined. His book, "The PRICE: Five Principles to Break the Bonds of Trauma and Achieve Personal Success," published in March 2023, has illuminated paths for many across the globe.

Carlos's spirit remains unshackled, and his positive attitude is truly inspiring. He tirelessly propels others forward, converting his saga of struggles into an emblem of hope and personal transformation. His signature talks delve deep into overcoming adversity, resilience, unwavering accountability, and the five principles that have steered his life's course.

Quan Huynh: A Remarkable Journey 

Quan Huynh, the director of Defy Ventures in Southern California, is an inspiring example of the transformative power of second chances.

Quan's journey to becoming a leader and mentor for others is truly remarkable. His book, "Sparrow in the Razor Wire," chronicles his experiences and the lessons he learned along the way, such as resilience, determination, and how to create a better life for himself and others. Through his work with Defy Ventures, Quan has become a beacon of hope for countless individuals who are striving to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Having had the privilege of engaging in one-on-one conversations with Quan, I can attest to his unwavering commitment to the mission of Defy Ventures and his genuine compassion for those he serves. Quan's invitation to join the board of Defy Ventures in Los Angeles is a humbling recognition of the impact that volunteers can make in the lives of others, and it serves as a reminder that every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference.

Google's Giveback: Empowering Through Volunteering 

At Google, we believe in giving back to the community, and our annual Google Serve event is part of this commitment. This year, we partnered with Defy Ventures to provide business coaching and mentorship to their entrepreneurs in training. The response from Googlers has been overwhelming, with the number of volunteers tripling from last year.

During the event, we conducted mock interviews, helped with resume writing, and provided guidance on creating LinkedIn profiles. These sessions are designed to equip the participants with the skills and confidence they need to succeed in their entrepreneurial endeavors. The enthusiasm and dedication of the Googlers who volunteered were truly heartwarming, and it was incredible to see the positive impact we could make together.

Hearing the stories of the people in the program has made me incredibly grateful for my life and my amazing family. Some of these individuals haven't had a single visitor in years or even a decade, yet they are so excited and grateful to have a visitor, even if it's just little ol' me. It's a humbling reminder of the blessings we often take for granted and the power of human connection, no matter how small it may seem.

How You Can Get Involved 

Defy Ventures relies on the support of volunteers and donors to continue their life-changing work. Whether you can spare a few hours to help with business coaching, make a financial contribution, or spread the word about the organization, every bit helps.

I encourage you to learn more about Defy Ventures and consider getting involved. Witnessing the transformation and success of individuals like Carlos and Quan has been an incredible experience, and I'm grateful to be a part of this amazing organization.

Here are links to their volunteer and donation pages:

https://www.defyventures.org/take-action-main/take-action-volunteer/volunteer

https://www.defyventures.org/take-action-main/donate

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