TEDxSantaCruz: Gina Castaneda - Uniting Rival Teen Gang Members Through Soccer

As an adolescent, Gina Castaneda experienced intervals of homelessness and even lived in a car for a period of time with her mother. Despite the adversities of growing up in a violent neighborhood and a violent home, Gina avoided gang entrenchment. In April
2008, Gina founded the Aztecas Soccer Program for Latino juvenile probationers who affiliate with both Norteño and Sureño gangs. As the coach and organizer, Gina has successfully managed to assimilate these opposing gangs into teammates, on and off the field.

This TEDxSantaCruz talk is part of over 2 dozen surrounding our theme of "Engage!" This inaugural TEDxSantaCruz event was held June 11, 2011 at the Cabrillo College Music Recital Hall in Aptos, CA (Santa Cruz County). http://www.tedxsantacruz.org/

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

Category:

Education

Tags:

• TEDx
• TEDxSantaCruz
• USA
• English
• Education
• Global Issues
• Community
• Sports
• Politics
• Psychology
• Lifestyle
• Social Change
• Gangs
• Engage

[KarenMGonzales]

I wish my son's probation officer was like Gina..now he is in jail at the young age of 19 years old awaiting trial. His probation officer was too busy to assist us. God Bless Gina.

[Juanster23]

wow, one person with a clear and wholesome vision can truly make a difference.

[bragbox]

We share a similar story as soccer saved my life too. Voetball gave me and identity, a family, a passion, a reason to continue my education. It occupied my ADD-ADHD mind and taught me the value of persistence and training and how to learn from and trust others.

Keep sharing your experience, faith, strength and hope... it is INSPIRED!!!

[felixthi1]

It's very inspirer, i felt very proud about the results of the aztecas soccer program. And it's always good to see people changing their social situation to a better one.

Congratulation Gina and TEDx too, good idea inspiring people!

[thejackgreenproject]

wow that's powerful stuff Gina!

[kurichka]

This was very touching... thankyou.