Ronaldo Villeda is the executive director of Hoops4Justice, a nonprofit helping incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and underserved youth of color achieve positive futures. He has worked as a policy aide for the Santa Ana (Calif.) City Council and as an advocacy and community organizer for the Los Angeles Anti-Recidivism Coalition.
A first-generation Latino, Ronaldo’s experiences with Prop 21 in Orange County, California, shaped his dedication to juvenile and social justice reform. His incarceration helped him find a support system, overcome adverse childhood experiences, and discover his purpose: to aid others in similar situations. Ronaldo enjoys making music, painting, running, and boxing. He holds an associate degree in business and is committed to community engagement and the professional development of juvenile justice staff.