Pedro Pez testifies on Beacon program's impact on his family and career

Good evening.

I am truly honored to have the opportunity to speak today and express my gratitude for the Beacon program, a program that has had a tremendous impact on my life and my family's journey.

Growing up in a single parent household, I watched my mother work tirelessly to provide for our family.

Like many families, we faced challenges.

There were many times where resources were limited and opportunities seemed out of reach.

Despite those hardships, my mother never stopped encouraging us to work hard, stay positive, and make the most of every opportunity that came our way.

As a mother of four, she pushed each of us to our best.

All four of her kids grew up in Beacon, which speaks to just how important the program was to our family.

Beacon wasn't just a place for us to go after school, it became a second home, a support system and a community that helped shape who we are.

One of the greatest opportunities I was given was becoming part of Beacon.

While the activities and programs were valuable, some of the most meaningful things I gained were the relationships and connections I built along the way.

I met friends who became family.

And mentors who guided me through some of the most important stages of my life.

Those relationships taught me how to communicate, collaborate, and build genuine connections with others.

As I grew older, I realized that those lessons I learned here extended far beyond the walls of the program.

We can help prepare me for school, work, and life.

It gave me confidence in myself, taught me responsibility, and encouraged me to believe

that I could achieve more than I ever imagined.

Today I have the privilege and honor of working for the very same program that once supported me as a participant.

It is a true full circle moment to go from receiving guidance and encouragement to now being in a position where I can support young people who are walking a path similar to mine is something I never take for granted.

Every day I take the opportunity to give back to a place that gives so much to me and my family.

There is no greater feeling than being able to help a child discover their potential, build confidence, and create memories that may stay with them for a lifetime just as it can do for me.

The impact you make reaches far beyond what you see each day.

To everyone in this room, I ask that you keep believing in these young people involved in this program.

Encourage them to embrace every opportunity, build meaningful relationships, and believe in their own potential.

You never know where those experiences may lead them.

Thank you.