ABOUT ME
Hi, I'm Raina!
WHERE I COME FROM
I am a Mexican American with Louisiana Creole heritage, born and raised in Inglewood, California!
In 1995, during my sophomore year of high school, I joined a Violence Prevention Program called Peace Colors and was an at-risk youth.
Despite my adversities, my involvement with Peace Colors overruled and encouraged me to began attending school regularly. Through Peace Colors, I received a mentor named Gloria Virgin. She became not only my advisor and confidant, but took intensive measures to assure that I would graduate.
Thanks to Peace Colors, Inglewood Fire Fighter Gloria Virgin, Mentor Khalid Shah, Mentor Yvette McNally, and my parents I graduated in 1997 from Morningside High School in Inglewood, California.
A THRIVING CAREER
In 1998 I began working for Peace Colors Organization as a Youth Advocate. As a result of my dedication to my people, the people of Inglewood, I was eventually promoted to Youth Coordinator.
There are youth who still remember my past and when they ask me “What made you change?” I credit my transformation to GOD, my family, mentors, and Peace Colors who believed in me.
In 1999 I became a gang interventionist for Stop the Violence Increase The Peace Foundation. That same year I became a Youth Advisor for the Million Mom March in which I advocated for sensible gun laws.
In 2000 I appeared in a documentary called “A Place at the Table” from Tell the Truth Pictures. I was even featured on the front cover of the August/September 2000 Issue of Scholastic Magazine! The title was "Violence Is Not the Way” and included a full article on my life.
In November 2003 Latina Magazine did an article on me called “The Peacemaker". I have appeared in the New York and LA Times Newspaper as well as television regarding the subject of "Peace".
I have worked hard to provide services to the communities I have worked in, from families to gang members. I've had successful events like "Youth and Law Enforcement Day" in Inglewood, California. Which is where gang members and law enforcement played softball. "Peace & Unity Basketball Game" in Pico Union, where two gangs came together to play basketball for Peace. Definitely not least, The "Health & Safety Community Resource Fair" for the community in the Pico Union where the residents from that community receive resources, free food, and giveaways. I have won numerous awards for my efforts in the community.
Not only am I very street smart, but I have another powerful tool in my belt; Education.
In 2002 I graduated from Los Angeles Southwest College with my Associate Degree.
In 2007 I received my certificate as a certified Gang Interventionist from Cal State Los Angeles College.
In 2008 I was hired as a Program Manager for City of Los Angeles Gang Reduction Youth Development Department for Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa.
In 2011 I received my Bachelors Degree in Sociology from Cal State Dominguez.
I am the Former State Assembly Delegate for District 61 with CADEM,
Director of Gang Intervention and Resources with Avance Club, and
Board Member with Northeast Community Clinic.
Currently, I am an entrepreneur. Not to mention CEO and Founder of The Phoenix Rising Coalition, nonprofit. I am also a Life Agent who leads a crusade with the goal to educate low income and the middle class families about the importance of life insurance, retirement, college funds, savings, and leaving a legacy behind.
In my 27 years of giving back to the community I still have major goals to accomplish; like being elected the next Mayor of Inglewood in 2026!