Meet Roberto Luca

We were lucky to catch up with Roberto Luca recently and have shared our conversation below.

Roberto, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?

I developed confidence and self-esteem through a long journey of transformation during my incarceration and beyond. At 16, I entered juvenile hall burdened with pain, anger, shame, and regret, conforming to the culture of jail to mask my vulnerabilities. Over time, I began to understand the human traits we all carry, flawed and shaped by our struggles to survive. I decided to be different. Shaped by the love in my heart.

At 18, I stepped into the prison system alone, facing harsh realities that required me to adapt and transform my mindset. This journey forged a warrior spirit within me, a resilience and strength that became my foundation. My release at the age of 43 marked the beginning of a new chapter, but it also came with the weight of having missed 28 years of emotional development, personal relationships, and professional growth.

Reentering the world was not easy, but I channeled the warrior mentality that had sustained me during incarceration into adapting, growing, and challenging myself to become a better person. I faced the absence of life experiences head-on, working through the gaps in emotional, personal, and professional development that I continue to work on to this day. Each mistake and failure became a lesson, and through personal accountability and perseverance, I built the confidence to navigate this new world.

I’ve learned that confidence is not given it is earned through choices, integrity, and overcoming adversity. Self-esteem arises from staying true to one’s values and living with purpose. These hard-won lessons, along with my belief in the power of the human spirit, continue to guide me as I shape my life with resilience, optimism, and determination.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am honored to serve as the President of Mass Liberation, an organization dedicated to supporting individuals impacted by incarceration and reentry. My journey began on August 25, 2017, when I was released from incarceration. In those early years of my freedom, I worked a variety of jobs, from a plastic factory to construction with RESET L.A, while pursuing my AA in Social Work. It was through these humble beginnings that I found my true calling in reentry services, helping others navigate their challenges and transform their lives.

In my career, I have had the privilege of working with some of the largest reentry organizations in Los Angeles County, where I mentored and coached individuals entering apprenticeship programs for the construction industry. Over the past seven years, I have worked to develop programs and provide direct services that have had a tangible impact on the community we serve. The opportunity to empower others and witness their transformation is what excites me most about this work.

Since stepping into the role of President at Mass Liberation, my responsibilities have expanded to include fundraising, ensuring the financial health of our organization, and growing our social media presence. But it’s not just the growth in our budget, from $500K to over $2 million, that brings me pride it’s seeing the individuals we serve reclaim their purpose and dignity. Their resilience and strength inspire me daily.

Through my work, I’ve learned the importance of boundaries and ethical leadership. The responsibility of leading with integrity and maintaining healthy professional relationships has been a crucial lesson in my journey. Understanding the delicate balance of leadership, while staying grounded in empathy and respect for the individuals we serve, has deepened my understanding of both the work we do and the impact it has on our community.

At Mass Liberation, we are committed not just to helping individuals get back on their feet but to creating lasting change in a system that has too often failed those we serve. It is a privilege to be part of their journey, and every day, I strive to give my heart and soul to this mission, knowing that the work we do can and does change lives.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The leadership skills I’ve developed didn’t come overnight they were earned through years of experience, reflection, and learning from both my successes and mistakes. To develop leadership, you must first understand that it’s about others, not just yourself. Leadership is about service and creating a vision that inspires others to follow.

Three essential skills that I believe are crucial for any leader are emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the ability to empower others. Through my own life experiences—beginning with my time in juvenile hall at 16, followed by nearly three decades of incarceration—I’ve come to truly understand the power of emotional intelligence. When you’ve spent years in environments that test your resilience and push your emotions to their limits, you learn how to control your own emotions and better understand those of others. This understanding has allowed me to lead with empathy, build deep connections, and navigate even the most difficult situations with compassion.

Adaptability has been just as important in my journey. From the moment I was released at 43, stepping into a world that had changed dramatically from the one I knew, I had to learn to adjust quickly. I had to adapt my mindset and strategies to not only survive but thrive in a world that felt unfamiliar and overwhelming at times. This ability to pivot and keep moving forward is something I carry with me in every challenge I face, both personally and professionally.

Lastly, empowering others has been the cornerstone of my leadership. Growing up in a world of violence, poverty, and disconnection, I felt invisible at times—like society had written me off before I had a chance. Yet, it was through the support and guidance of others that I began to see my own potential. Now, as the president of Mass Liberation, I strive to offer that same empowerment to others, especially those who’ve been cast aside by society. My work is not just about helping people find jobs or housing, it’s about helping them rediscover their worth and empowering them to transform their lives. I’ve seen firsthand how giving people the tools to believe in themselves creates ripple effects that change not just individual lives, but entire communities.

These skills—emotional intelligence, adaptability, and empowerment have shaped my journey and continue to guide me as a leader. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about position or power, but about the ability to lift others up and create growth opportunities. It’s about showing up, day after day, with a heart full of compassion and a commitment to making the world a better place, one person at a time.

Building these skills requires practice and patience. You’ll need to continuously reflect on your actions and seek feedback. Start by leading with humility and openness, always striving to improve your emotional awareness. When faced with challenges, ask yourself how you can adapt your approach to create a better outcome for everyone involved. Empowerment comes from believing in the potential of others and offering the space for them to grow. This means recognizing their strengths, offering constructive feedback, and cheering them on when they succeed. Over time, you’ll become more attuned to the needs of those you lead, and you’ll begin to see the impact of your leadership.

If you want to make a lasting difference, you need to think beyond surface-level solutions. It’s about understanding the needs of the people you want to help and designing systems that serve them holistically. Start by volunteering with organizations that focus on social justice or community development, and pay close attention to what works and what doesn’t. Ask questions and learn from those with experience. As you gain more knowledge, begin to create your own projects that solve real problems and bring about change. Keep in mind that impact isn’t just about numbers it’s about the human lives behind those numbers. Your ability to empathize, listen, and adapt will be what makes your efforts truly meaningful. Empowerment is one of the most powerful tools you can offer someone. To empower others, you must first recognize their potential and value, regardless of their past mistakes. It starts with belief. You need to believe in their ability to transform their lives and help them believe it too. Begin by offering support without judgment. Build trust and provide guidance, not just when things are going well but especially when things are tough. Encourage people to see themselves differently and remind them of their strengths, even when they don’t see them. Help them build confidence by offering growth opportunities and celebrating their wins, no matter how small. Over time, you’ll not only help others rise, but you’ll also witness the transformative power of self-belief.

These leadership skills are not just for a title—they are for creating real change. If you’re committed to growth, service, and helping others, you will find the tools and mindset to be a leader. It’s a lifelong journey, but it can transform both your life and the lives of others.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I don’t shy away from it; I embrace it. My life has taught me that feeling overwhelmed is often a response to fear, and the best way to navigate through it is to dive directly into that fear. I learned this the hard way during my time in prison, where fear and anxiety were constant companions. I didn’t have the luxury of running from my emotions or avoiding the harsh realities of the environment. I had to confront my fears daily, and that gave me the strength to face anything that came my way, both in prison and in life afterward.

In prison, every day felt like an uphill battle, and it was overwhelming at times. Whether it was the emotional strain of isolation, the pressure of constantly watching my back, or the weight of the life I had left behind, I had to learn to manage it all. I couldn’t afford to let those overwhelming feelings consume me; I needed to survive, to keep moving forward. So, I developed a mental toughness a skill I now rely on every day. I broke overwhelming situations into small, manageable steps. I focused on one thing at a time. I learned that small victories, no matter how minor they seemed, added up to survival. Whether it was getting through a difficult conversation or simply getting out of bed in the morning, every action had a purpose.

When I left prison, the overwhelming challenges didn’t disappear. But I had learned to approach them differently. I learned that fear is not something to be feared but something that can be used as a tool for growth. It became clear to me that every obstacle I faced whether in work, relationships, or personal struggles—was just another opportunity to tap into that strength I had developed during my years of hardship. When I feel overwhelmed now, I pause and assess what’s causing that fear. I break it down into manageable pieces, just like I did in prison, and remind myself of the strength I’ve built over the years.

The advice I’d give, shaped by my unique experience, is that feeling overwhelmed is a sign that fear has surfaced, but it’s not a sign of weakness. It’s a natural human response to situations that seem too big to handle. The difference in my approach is that I no longer see fear as something to avoid but as a part of the process an indication that I’m about to push my boundaries and grow. Just like soldiers in a foxhole or prisoners navigating life behind bars, we all have the innate ability to survive overwhelming situations. It’s biological, chemical, and deeply embedded in us. It’s the resilience of the human spirit.

When life feels overwhelming, I remind myself that I’ve survived far worse. I tap into that survival instinct I honed in the most difficult moments of my life. I break down the challenge into smaller steps and trust that I can handle whatever comes my way, one moment at a time. Most importantly, I remind myself that my faith in God is my anchor. It gives me the courage to face the fear, the strength to keep going, and the belief that a better tomorrow is always possible.

So, when you’re feeling overwhelmed, don’t run from it. Look it in the face and ask yourself what it’s trying to teach you. Dive into that fear, trust in your resilience, and break the challenge down to what you can handle. You have within you the strength to rise above it. We all do.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.massliberation.net
• Instagram: masslibreentry
• Facebook: Mass Liberation
• Linkedin: Roberto Luca

Image Credits

Emerging Leaders Graduate 2024 TNP