Transformation Story

Meet BYRON SALAZAR

Meet Byron Salazar. Byron joined and fully engaged with Homeboy Industries in 2022, after struggling to find his footing, going in and out of jail with little support. After experiencing a life changing incident, where he was shot and realized the pain he caused to his family, he was finally ready for the program and he returned to Homeboy. Being back in the program, Byron began working on himself, his mental health and physical well being. During the work phase of his 18-month program, Byron joined Homegirl Café and gradually gained culinary skills. He realized he had a passion for cooking, and with the help of our workforce development team, Byron began culinary training at Bread and Roses. After receiving his certification, he returned to the Café and completed his internship hours. Byron was able to get a position at OuVo pasta, and with the help of their team, Byron excelled. He quickly learned all of the restaurant’s recipes and was promoted to assistant manager at one of OuVo’s most popular and busiest locations. Byron is not done, in 6 months he relocates to New York to work as the sous chef at OuVo’s, opening soon in Manhattan. He is focused on his goal to become a regional chef.