Emerging Young Leaders Award and Exchange Program

Participant Story

Emerging Young Leaders Award - Jessel Recinos Fernandez

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Jessel Recinos Fernandez
Jessel Recinos Fernandez grew up in Cofradía, a suburb of San Pedro Sula, Honduras, a city that has been called “the murder capital of the world.” During his adolescence, he turned to gangs and violence and soon became a gunshot victim.

This was a turning point for him and he went on to found Skate Brothers, a club where at-risk youth learn rollerblading, skateboarding, BMX, and breakdancing. The club, run out of an outreach center, gives at-risk youth a safe and positive environment to take classes and have fun while helping them avoid gangs and stay in school.