Hector Guadalupe
Founder & Executive Director
A Second U Foundation
New York, NY USA
“Figure out a way to do some good in this world.”
Videos
By Roadtrip NationHector Guadalupe
Milestones
My road in life has taken me all over.
I grew up in Williamsburg in Brooklyn, New York.
I started selling drugs at age 13 and was eventually indicted for drug distribution when I was 23 years old.
Once in prison, my primary goal was to get healthy—I started working at the gym and working out myself.
I felt a sort of rebirth through working out—I enrolled in a correspondence program, became a certified personal trainer, and started training others in prison.
When I was finally released from prison, I struggled for several months to find a job—eventually, the New York Sports Club in Manhattan’s Union Square gave me a chance and hired me.
I started helping all of the men I was connected with in prison by buying their gym gear and training materials and bringing them to the gym I was working at.
That led to me going to federal institutions and halfway houses to try and help more and more formerly incarcerated people.
After a couple of years, I founded A Second U Foundation, which helps formerly incarcerated men and women receive career training and find employment as personal trainers.
Keep following my journey
Education
Did Not Complete High School
Certification/License
Exercise Physiology, Health and Wellness
International Sports and Science Association
Exercise Physiology, Health and Wellness
International Sports and Science Association
Career
Founder & Executive Director
I help formerly incarcerated individuals get career training and find employment as personal trainers.
Career Roadmap
My work combines:
My work combines:
Sports
Non-Profit Organizations
Helping People
Day to Day
My day to day revolves around trouble-shooting anything that may be in the way of the foundation getting our work done. I make sure my team is mentally prepared to service our clients and emotionally supported to help guide others through our program. As executive director, I also run our fundraising campaigns.
Hurdles
The Noise I Shed
From Society in General:
"You can't work here. You don't deserve this chance."
Challenges I Overcame
Formerly Incarcerated
