Leadership

Meet Our Board of Directors

The dedicated leaders guiding Epic Leadership Center's mission to transform youth lives in Ventura.

Rafael Robles — Board Chair

"I grew up in Ventura without a lot of resources — but I had people who believed in me. That's what EPIC is about. We show up, we believe in these kids, and we refuse to give up on them."

Raised in Ventura, Rafael saw firsthand the difference a caring adult can make in a young person's life. After years of community outreach and youth development work, he and his wife Lorisa founded Epic Leadership Center to provide the structured support Ventura's underserved youth desperately needed.

Rafael leads with a community organizer's grit and a deep belief in the potential of every young person. He knows that transformative change happens through relationships — not programs — and that every young person has a leader inside them waiting to be awakened.

When he's not working with youth, Rafael spends time with his family, investing in the same community he grew up in.

Rafael & Lorisa Robles — Board of Directors

Lorisa Robles — Board Vice Chair

"Every child deserves to know they are seen, valued, and capable of amazing things. That's not just our mission — it's our purpose."

Lorisa brings warmth, vision, and tireless energy to Epic Leadership Center. Her background in education and youth development shapes the program's holistic approach — addressing not just academic needs but the social and emotional well-being of every child.

Lorisa oversees the mentorship and life coaching programs, ensuring that every volunteer and mentor is equipped to make a lasting impact. Her commitment to families drives the organization's dedication to walking alongside parents as well as children.

Lorisa believes that the key to breaking cycles of poverty and hardship is consistent, unconditional, action-oriented support. She lives that belief every day.