We were lucky to catch up with Candace Leos Valdepena recently and have shared our conversation below.

Candace, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

In 2019 I made the choice to get involved civically in my hometown of Compton, CA. I had moved away for ten years and when I returned I found myself frustrated with the deteriorating infrastructure and apparent lack of civic engagement in the city. I had never been a political person myself because it seemed to always cause conflict but I found myself curious about how I could actually be a part of the page, rather than just taking to social media and complaining. I realized that I had to learn how local government works, and it’s quite different in Compton. So I started attending council meetings, doing my research and starting hold community roundtables. Meeting with other residents, we were able to share knowledge and experiences and it took off.

I found that historically there has been a disconnect between local government and residents and information was not easy to come by leaving residents disconnected and disenfranchised. My community group became known in the community as a source of trusted information and connection and Compton Advocates Coalition was born. We began expanding our impact in the community by holding events like community beautification events and food giveaways. It was at that point that our work was recognized by local businesses and I had to make the choice to make Compton Advocates a nonprofit organization so we can legitimize our status, create more partnerships and secure resources to bring to the city.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Compton Advocates Coalition is dedicated to empowering the residents of Compton. We serve as a vital link between the community and essential resources, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration. Through our commitment to action-oriented solutions, we strive to effect positive and lasting change. Our organization facilitates community resource fairs, leadership workshops, empowerment sessions for residents and local nonprofits. Our goal is to cultivate a culture of self-sufficiency and resilience.

I want to see Compton thriving and progressing like the surrounding cities so I will do what I can to continue to bring resources to the area and work with local officials to find ways to work together. We envision ourselves as the cornerstone of connectivity, bridging the gap between the residents and vital resources, fostering an environment of solidarity and cooperation. We aspire to be the catalyst for lasting positive change in Compton and beyond.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

In 2012 I pivoted my career by choice. For many years I had a desire to move into a career serving at a homeless or women’s shelter. I didn’t know exactly how to make this change as I had always worked corporate but I volunteered in Skid Row and it changed my life. After that point, I kept looking on the websites of shelters in the Skid Row area to see if any positions opened up and in 2012 an administrative position was up for grabs at The Midnight Mission. It was an entry level position, less money, less status and definitely in an unknown field but I decided to go for it.

By nature, I’m not a risk taker so this was very unlike me but it felt right and even though I was starting at the bottom, it felt good to follow my heart and not the dollar. In the end it all worked out and I was able to work my way up in the organization. When I left after six years I was the communications manager. It’s still an organization that I hold very close to my heart and it gave me the foundation needed to be able to start my own nonprofit.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Stepping into community organizing and just the political space in Compton has been very challenging at times. Compton has had long standing alliances and although I am someone who was born and raised in the community, I am still considered “new” when it comes to community activism since I got involved later in life.

I have had to develop thick skin and be ok with people not being ok with me. I’ve learned to not take things personal and to stay focused on the mission. I work very hard to stay objective and focused on doing what I feel is right even if it means I become targeted for not “falling in line”.

When I hear someone tell me that my stepping up has inspired them to get involved or stay involved, that’s my motivation to keep going. The hard times never last forever and I will continue working because I have hope. One day, Compton will be a success story and at the negative stereotypes that we hear so often in the media will be a thing of the past.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.comptonadvocates.org
• Instagram: @comptonadvocates
• Facebook: @comptonadvocates
• Twitter: @comptonadvocate
• Youtube: @comptonadvocates

Image Credits
Damion Lowe