Meet our Board Members

PRESIDENT

Arthur Soriano brings a deeply personal and transformative perspective to his role as President of our organization. Released from incarceration at 36 after spending 24 years in the justice system, Arthur faced significant challenges, including poverty and difficulty finding employment and reconnecting with his community.

His journey through these hardships, from gang involvement to becoming a positive leader both on the streets and in prison, has uniquely equipped him to guide others towards a more hopeful path. Arthur founded Youth Empowerment with the goal of using his own experiences to influence and organize others to improve their lives, their families' lives, and their communities. His leadership continues to inspire and drive our organization's mission to empower individuals through fitness and supportive community engagement.

VICE PRESIDENT

Reginald "Reggie" Washington's transformative journey from gang involvement to becoming a pivotal leader in youth mentorship underscores his role as Vice President of our organization. As a young man, Reggie faced challenges with anger management and a lack of emotional literacy, experiences that inspired him to found Project A.W.A.R.E. This initiative aims to equip young people with the emotional literacy skills that Reggie once lacked.

Now a certified trainer in Restorative Practices and a certified Community Mentor, Reggie has dedicated over a decade to working with youth across San Diego County. His extensive training includes programs from the National Institute of Corrections, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, and the National Conflict Resolution Center, as well as other federal and state gang experts. Reggie’s expertise and commitment to mentoring young individuals are invaluable to our mission, helping us to nurture and empower the next generation through understanding and community support.

SECRETARY

Leticia Bombardier brings her extensive background in the justice system to her role as Secretary of our organization. As the owner of Transformative Centered Solutions, Leticia serves as a trainer and consultant, leveraging her experience as a retired San Diego County Supervising Probation Officer. She is deeply committed to enhancing community and system partnerships through skill-building and active engagement.

Leticia's work focuses on applying restorative practices through a trauma-informed lens, striving to bridge gaps between grassroots organizations and justice/system partners. Her dedication to prevention and intervention in both juvenile and adult justice systems provides vital insights and opportunities for our organization to effectively serve and uplift our communities.

BOARD MEMBER

With an impressive career spanning nearly three decades in education, Meghan Jon Voeltner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our board. She holds a Master’s degree in Education and currently serves as the Principal of ALBA Community Day School, where her leadership was recognized with the prestigious "Principal of the Year" award by the San Diego School District in 2023.

Meghan's deep commitment to education and her profound understanding of community needs enrich our organization’s mission. Her expertise is particularly valuable in guiding our programs that intersect with educational institutions and youth mentorship. Meghan's leadership and vision are instrumental in helping us empower individuals through fitness and support, nurturing their potential for transformative change.

BOARD MEMBER

Kyra Richards serves as an Alternate Public Defender with the County of San Diego, bringing over nineteen years of dedicated service in the legal field, particularly as a Youth Defender. Kyra’s journey is one of profound transformation and resilience; coming from a first-generation Russian-American household, she overcame significant challenges including a language barrier and learning disability, which made her early education years particularly difficult. Her struggles led to substance abuse and minor legal troubles until pivotal life changes—her son and a supportive counselor at Palomar College—sparked a turnaround over thirty-one years ago.

Since then, Kyra has achieved remarkable milestones: maintaining sobriety, completing her undergraduate studies, graduating from law school, and dedicating her career to defending the youth. Her personal experiences and professional expertise make her a valuable member of the Youth Empowerment Board, where she passionately advocates for hope, change, and redemption. Kyra's story embodies the mission of Youth Empowerment, making her an inspiring figure for both the youth we serve and the broader community.