"If it's meant 2 be, it's up to ME!" is Danny's motto.
Danny has spoken at many places to Inspire and bring Hope to people of all ages that there is a better way of life then Gangs, Drugs and the Streets. He is a Living testimony that people can and do change! He is paying it forward everyday by the people he reaches through these Presentations.
Speaking topics:
Overcoming Adversity, Gangs, Being a Gang Expert, Trauma, Forgiveness, Domestic Violence, Incarceration & ReEntry, Harm Reduction, Violence, Anger Management, Addiction, Bullying, Homelessness, Juvenile justice, Employability, College, Leadership and Success.
Danny is available to travel across the USA, book him today!
Danny was invited as a plenary speaker at our conference to help inspire the audience to think about how their daily work impacts individuals in a meaningful way. His personal story of overcoming adversity to effectively serve people in his current role really hit home with the audience which was profoundly moved by and appreciative of Danny's presentation.
Our students need a positive role model to encourage them to keep pushing through difficult times. Danny went way over and above our expectations! The students loved him and the teachers were in tears! Danny's story is a tribute to pushing through impossible circumstances and reaching out for the support that is at hand! I will be contacting him repeatedly to come to my sights and help our struggling youth! Thanks so much Danny! Sheri Williams/SCCS Counselor
Danny Contreras volunteered several hours of his time to speak at 4 high schools in our school district. The message he shared with students was honest, thought provoking, powerful, and left them with a sense of hope. Danny also brought t-shirts to give away to the students. Many students walked out of the room with questions answered, and a stronger sense of self worth.
Danny consistently displayed a high level of integrity and personal responsibility. He set an example of responsible living for his peers and staff to follow. Danny had a positive impact on the therapeutic community by holding himself accountable and encouraging others to do the same. Danny's experience and intrinsic motivation for self improvement give him in unique perspective that he is willing to share with others. I highly recommend Danny as a speaker whose voice must be heard and a teacher with lessons that must be taught.
I highly recommend Daniel as a speaker, he has a way of connecting to the audience and sharing amazing insights that are life changing!
My name is Teresa Verdesoto Webber. I am a retired Correctional Counselor from the Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California.
I have known Danny since I was doing acting time as a Correctional Counselor I (CCI) back in 2002, North Yard, CTF Soledad. When I promoted to CCI in 2005, in addition to my regular caseload, I assumed the We Care Juvenile Deterrent Group. The group focused on bringing juvenile boys into the prison and showing them what a day would be like if they continued to make the wrong choices. My We Care Group consisted of men doing life sentences. I suggested to our Chairman to bring in a youngster named Danny . Danny had a fresh way of speaking the truth about how he came to prison and how he survived all the politics in prison, always giving the glory to God. When he spoke to the kids, they could relate. My Lifers were awesome speakers as well. After Danny paroled, I arranged for him to come back to CTF to speak to the We Care tours and another self-help group entitled Life Cycles. He continued to motivate not only the troubled youth but motivated the existing inmates still doing their time. Since Danny’s parole, he has been working to improve our communities, troubled youth and law enforcement agencies.
Teresa Verdesoto Webber, Retired CCI
When I heard Danny's life story, it amazed me to see that he did not lose hope and continued to pursue life, but in a way that most would give up in. It's hard to see it through, especially with so many obstacles that are set in place to create an immediate downfall, which ultimately makes life difficult with the already given obstacles and have to take on more without being overwhelmed. Being determined and wanting a life where our life experiences make us or break us, it's beyond amazing to see Danny where he is at today. He inspires me to create a life on my terms without fear of any obstacles at hand because with the limited time that have, it's what we do in every minute to become our best version of ourselves and lead by example for any one who is lost in their own battles. God bless Danny and his journey to continue to inspire many others.
Danny Did a great job with his presentation. He brings insight and knowledge to the population he is speaking to. I Steven King
had the opportunity to speak along side of him in conferences with law enforcement, formerly incarcerated, and at risk youth. I would recommend him in any setting....
Danny works well with all audiences especially youth. He does an excellent job sharing his message of hope and how to successfully overcome adversity. Danny presents regularly at our local police academy helping new officers better deal with the complex issues of gangs, drugs, crime and other social issues. I highly recommend Danny.
I support Danny's community work 100%; he is committed to youth and providing support to those struggling with gangs and violence. Danny is so incredibly inspirational, honest, and courageous as he shares his story of struggle, bad choices, and living a hard life to ultimately liberation, freedom and success. I am grateful to know Danny and watch his work transform lives!
Response from Danny Contreras:
Thank You MariaElena for supporting my work and thank you for all your help and dedication to our community
I have known and worked with Danny for several years. I have nothing but admiration for his work and commitment to the amelioration of advancement of young people impacted by violence, substance abuse, and incarceration. Danny's speeches have made tremendous impacts not only on youth but adults alike. Danny's leadership comes from a place of humility, passion, and dedication. His life is a perfect example of positive transformation. His message is always clear that through service, spirituality, and education people can overcome adversity.
Danny has it all. A charismatic and inspiring speaker with a personal story that will lead you to truly believe that anyone in our lives can be more, do more and achieve more if we just give them the gift of hope and believe in them. Professional credentials that have given him skills and capacities in conflict mediation, communication, critical thinking and mentoring. Life experience that gives a depth of relevance, authenticity and irreplaceable street smarts to his message. Leadership skills that have led him to beat the odds and teach others how to do the same. But ultimately, it is Danny's commitment to justice, restoration and peace that shines through and has you wanting everyone to hear his story.
I know Danny because he participated in a workshop I conducted for the United Way. What makes his speaking so powerful is his humility. He's reluctant to make a big deal about his journey, preferring instead, to let young men who could be on the same self destructive path Danny once traveled, know that they can skip the pain, the prison time and become what he so aptly calls "....a living example." His message lands emotionally and stays with the audience because Danny has taken a trip to hell and instead of the usual "oh, woe is me, everyone else is to blame," chorus we hear far to often, Danny takes responsibility for his actions.
Danny is an inspiration to me and it would behoove you to book this man, because I know that you will be inspired as well.
Danny Contreras is a real hero.
Danny's testimonio is about survival which makes him easy to relate to any young person going through average growing pains to those going through street violence or addiction. He is honest about his mistakes and is proud of how far he has come since his youth. Danny captivates audiences of all ages through his stories of gang violence and prison experiences. He uses analogies that are easy to understand and prove his point of the importance of getting an education and staying out of the streets. He is always willing to do outreach to any group because he strongly believes in the potential and value of every human being!
I’ve heard Danny Contreras speak through out the community at various events. He is able take his past experiences and shares them in a way that communicates his passions for giving back and desire for youth success. Danny is dedicated and committed to making a positive impact in his life, the lives of others, as well as the broader community.
Danny Contreras is a great motivational speaker and has done a great job in spreading his message of hope after having lived a lie through gang-banging and drugs. He and his fellow cohorts are real live miracles who have overcome many obstacles and poor choices to realize a sober-free, gang-free lifestyle.
I have heard Danny speak many times and have come to know him well. He has seized every opportunity to complete classes, programs and trainings that, in addition to his lived experiences, have supported him in becoming an extremely effective speaker, mentor and inspirational figure. He uses his life story to infuse his message of what success, manhood, redemption, peace and humanity look like. He touches the hearts of youth and adults across a range of social issues, and he is an incredibly valuable asset to our community.
Danny never misses with his audience. Its one thing that he is a 'been there, done that' guy who can truly articulate the messages of what it takes to rise up again, but he connects with a variety of audiences and always puts the messages at the right level. He does not disappoint!
Danny is active in the Watsonville and Santa Cruz area, entrenched in Homeless services, drug and alcohol counseling, juvenile detention, faith groups- any form of compassionate outreach. He brings a message of hope, good personal choices and recovery from drugs and gang violence. Danny has excellent flexibility with the venue and a great sense of humor, not to mention an ability to gather a perfect group of speakers for the needed message.
I, met Danny while working for a non profit and facilitating a teen pregnancy program for teen girls. Danny had a way of captivating the entire classroom. Not only is his story inspirational, but it's heart warming. He is an amazing person and I can't wait to watch this man change the world!
Price Range: $5000 - $10,000 +
Gig Length: 30 - 960 minutes
Languages: English
Expect to get Encouraged, Inspired, Motivated, and Uplifted! You’ll go away with life changing truths that can change your life if applied.
From a dysfunctional family, bouncing from city to city San Jose, Fremont, Hawaii, Paso Robles, and Salinas. Danny was involved in a lifestyle of gangs and drugs. In and out of Juvenile hall numerous times. Danny finally was Incarcerated at the age of 17, tried as an adult for a Murder he did not commit and Gang Enhancements. Danny was facing 28 years to LIFE in prison. He was sentenced to 14 years.
Have you ever heard of your darkest hour? While this was Danny's Darkest hours. Against all odds he has made it out and has not allowed his circumstances to define him. He made the most out of his time being locked down in a tiny cell for over a decade on General Population yards. Danny got a GED, AA degree, Drug and Alcohol counselor certificate, was a head mentor in SAP, on the executive body for WE CARE, part of the group of men that started Life C.Y.C.L.E at Soledad prison in 2009, AVP certifications and stacks of certificates through the mail. The choices he made inside have paved the way for not only his success but for his family, friends, and others coming out of that destructive lifestyle. .
Since paroling Danny has obtained his Bachelors Degree in Psychology and has worked at many different places such as: the Community Action Board, Janus of Santa Cruz, Homeless Services Center. He has volunteered or interned at Si Se Puede, (AVP) alternative to violence project, Barrios Unidos, etc. Danny Currently works for the County of Santa Cruz as a Health Services Manager where he has helped develop and implement the county's Medication Assisted Treatment program at all 3 clinics to help those suffering from substance use disorder. He puts teams of powerful and impactful speakers together which he calls the Peace Warriors to speak with him at different schools and events to adults and youth sharing the life transforming truths that they used to change their lives of which he calls "KEYS 2 LIFE!"
His motto is: "If its meant 2 be, Its up to ME!" He uses this to educate, equip, and empower people through the power of choice, education, community service, spirituality, and leadership they can not only transform themselves but their neighborhoods and communities. He wants to save people from death, hospitals, and prisons to a healthier life and to achieve their dreams!
People always say if I can just reach one person I’ve done my job. Well, Danny doesn't like that. He wants to reach all of them and his job won't be complete till he does!
Computer, screen, projector, wi-fi (desirable)
| February 26, 2022 • 8:00am - 12:00pm | Police Academy Training |
| March 04, 2019 • 8:00am - 9:30am | Speaking at Rancho Cielo |
| February 25, 2019 • 8:00am - 10:00am | Pajaro Valley High School - Criminal Justice Class |
| February 10, 2019 • 8:00am - 1:00pm | Peace & Unity March on Forgiveness |
| August 15, 2018 • 7:00am - 1:00pm | Speaking to all the Freshmen to start the new school year |
| March 21, 2018 • 10:30am - 12:00pm | Palma High School |
| March 17, 2018 • 8:30am - 1:00pm | Youth Empowerment Confernece |
| November 17, 2016–November 18, 2016 • 7:30am - 3:15pm | Pajaro Valley High Peace Warrior confrence |
| November 14, 2016 • 4:45am - 5:30pm | We Care Tour Soledad Prison |
| February 19, 2016 • 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Rolling Hills Middle School, Watsonville, CA |
| February 19, 2016 • 7:00am - 11:00am | Police Academy |
Never Give Up
Higher Education
Ride or Die for who or what
Overcoming Adversity
Gangs
Forgiveness
Domestic Violence
Incarceration
ReEntry
Violence
Anger Management
Addiction
Bullying
Poverty
Homelessness
Juvenile justice
Employability
Leadership and Success
Religion
Christianity
Bible
Money Management
Case Management
Time Management
Paid Family Leave for Dad’s
How to Facilitate Groups
Victim Impact Awareness
Medication Assisted Treatment
Substance Use Disorders
Dr. Eric Thomas
Wordsmith
C.H Spurgeon
Capability to show a Power Point
White Board with white board markers and eraser
Microphone and Speakers Depending on size of Audience
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