LEADERS

Randy Fortes

Born and raised in Livermore, CA, Randy is the youngest of two boys. Randy's father was a professional musician and Randy and his older brother followed in his footsteps with a great passion for music. In his school days, while Randy was very outgoing, music was the only way he was able to express the isolation he truly felt. As he continued to struggle with finding his place he began getting involved in drug related activities.

After graduating high school Randy began working at a job that would change his life perspective and his career path. Randy started working with children. His passion for helping others and music became a driving force in his life, helping him to gain a better understanding of who he was and how his choices affected other people. He took it upon himself to change his ways. He committed to making a positive impact on the world through his music and his actions.

Now, Randy is a member of the soulful hip-hop group "Sol Rebelz", who last year released their debut album "The Foundation". He also works with youth through a B-boy and break dancing class. For Randy, seeing the light in children's eyes and being a positive contribution, brightens his everyday. Being a Challenge Day Leader is a blessing for him. He sees that as a leader he has the ability to channel the energy that young people have towards creating something positive, opening their awareness and reminding them of their power to make change.

If you really knew me, you would know…

• You would know how much I value my family and their willingness to stay close to each other.
• You would see my passion to make a positive change in my community and the world.
• You would know how I'm turning every challenge I face into my dance.
• You would know that when I step on stage, I pour my heart out and feel completely at peace with myself. I was born to perform.
• You would know that my biggest fear is not being good enough, and that I spent a lot of my life blaming and shaming and holding myself back.
• You would know the child in me yearns for that connection.
• You would know that I see myself as a bridge between the streets and main stream America.
• You would know that I bring hope to overcome struggle because I overcame it.
• You would know that I represent a side of hip hop that is true to itself and not based on outside perception, which is exactly what Challenge Day teaches.