We had the good fortune of connecting with Jonathan Alvarez and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jonathan, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My inspiration was my personal experience in returning to the City of Yonkers after serving nearly 13 years in state prison. I recognized the lack of adequate reentry support and services and wanted to make a change.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What may separate me from others is my visionary ability and consistency in my pursuit of success. My current positioning and progress are due to my willingness to humble myself and sacrifice. I took low-level paying opportunities for the experiences, which prepared me for the next greater moment. I didn’t allow my ego or pride to impede in on my dreams. In addition, I allowed myself to be vulnerable and learn from others. It was never easy taking sacrifices and feeling like a failure in moments of stagnation. I overcame challenges but having faith in my vision and trusting the process God has planned for me. My major lesson is that decision-making is vital to success and that relationships and time are the highest level of currency in this world. We must cherish both. I want the world to know that 914United Inc and my personal story is one of struggle turn success, trauma turn triumph. We want to demystify any notion that changing the narrative is impossible. It, of course, starts with changing the self.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’ll take him or her to a high-end restaurant to have a nice dinner and good drinks. Then we would visit tourist attractions to site see and explore the new territory.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to dedicate my shoutout to my team at 914United Inc. It is because of them that my success was possible. I also must shout out my partner Janita Mercado for investing into my dreams and supporting me on many levels along the way.

Website: www.914united.org

Instagram: J.0._Envisioned LLC & 914United

Linkedin: Jonarhan Alvarez99

Facebook: Jonathan Alvarez

Youtube: 914united

Other: 1. Lohud Journal News Article: https://www.lohud.com/story/news/local/2021/11/23/yonkers-man-left-prison-study-fashion-found-914-united-nonprofit/6370823001/ 2. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/youth-p-o-w-e-r-podcast-with-kirk-berry/id1556699544 3. Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cDovL2ZlZWRzLmxpYnN5bi5jb20vMzMwMzM4L3Jzcw

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