For Jovany, work has always been more than just a job. It’s been a form of pride, healing, and identity. Raised in Watts, California, after being born in East L.A., Jovany grew up in a household where hard work wasn’t just expected, it was sacred.
“In a Mexican household, the worst thing that can happen to you is not being able to work,” he says.
He was just three years old when his father was killed in a bar fight. At the time, his younger brother was only a newborn. In the aftermath of that tragedy, his mother raised both boys on her own, carrying the weight of grief and survival. She worked as a garment worker, known in their community as la costura. There, she met the man who would become Jovany’s stepfather.
Jovany identifies as a first-generation Mexican American, and his heritage is steeped in perseverance. Growing up, Jovany admits he was reckless and constantly in survival mode. He battled alcoholism, which eventually caused serious damage to his liver. At one point, he was diagnosed with alcohol-related liver infection and was dangerously close to dying. That health scare became a turning point. Even while maintaining work, he had lost control. The addiction ultimately led to a serious assault charge and incarceration.
During his time inside, Jovany made a promise to his parents during a visit while speaking to them through a glass barrier. He told them he would come home before serving his full three-year sentence. Despite not having a high school diploma, he applied for his GED while incarcerated, and passing the test knocked nine months off his time. He came home after a year, determined to rebuild.
A New Chapter
After his release, Jovany initially sought a union job and connected with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC). By chance, the Center for Employment Opportunities (CEO) had just opened a Los Angeles office, sharing the same office space. A member of ARC introduced him to CEO staff. After learning that he had eight years of landscaping experience, they offered him a position immediately on one of the first transitional work crews. Jovany didn’t just join CEO, he became their very first participant in Los Angeles. He even referred someone in the same position as him who joined the same crew, making both of them pioneers of CEO LA.
With the first opportunity to spend his hard-earned money, Jovany bought a used truck from someone in the community. That same day, he landed a full-time landscaping job, perfectly timed, as he now had a way to commute. CEO helped him prepare for the interview, apply through Indeed, and secure the position. He worked there for a year and a half before deciding he wanted to give back and help others the way he had been helped. When a Site Supervisor role opened at CEO, Jovany applied and was hired on the spot.
Over the next several years, Jovany worked his way up. He served as a Site Supervisor for four years and then as a Senior Site Supervisor for two more. When the organization restructured, a Social Enterprise Manager position opened. His leadership and experience made him a natural fit, and his peers encouraged him to apply. Today, he proudly holds that role, mentoring others walking a path he knows intimately.
“It humbles me every day. Sometimes you see yourself in someone who just needs one win. I make sure they know it’s okay to be proud. Once, I told a participant I was proud of him, and he became emotional. People don’t always hear positive things about them when they’re used to the negative.”
Heritage, Healing, and Humility
As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Jovany sees his cultural identity as both a strength and a lesson.
“We’re taught to be strong, to work hard and not ask for help.” But over time, he’s learned that life is too precious to let pride get in the way. He believes self-care is part of being strong and still reminds himself.
He has also healed the competitive relationship he once had with his stepfather. They now share mutual respect and love. Especially now that his stepfather can no longer work, Jovany feels honored to support him.
Jovany is also laying the foundation for his future beyond CEO. He holds a C-27 contractor’s license and has established an LLC, hoping to run his landscaping business one day.
To Jovany, being recognized during Hispanic Heritage Month is more than a personal honor, it’s a moment of collective pride.
“It’s a huge honor to be heard. Everybody has a story — and this is mine.”
He hopes people understand that even if you come from pain, you can still build a life full of purpose.
To young Hispanic individuals navigating reentry or hardship, he offers this advice.
“Whatever you’re worried about now, in a few months, it’ll be nothing. Look at the bigger picture. Your real family will always be there. Cherish those relationships and don’t give up.”
Today, Jovany is not just a leader. He is a living embodiment of what’s possible when fair chances are given and seized. He stands as a proud reminder that our stories don’t end with our mistakes. They begin again with the choices we make after.
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