MANUEL GOMEZ, a Navy veteran and advocate for incarcerated veterans, has been a transformative figure in the landscape of veterans’ services. His personal journey, marked by six years of service in the Navy and a challenging five-year stint in prison, has fueled his passion for advocacy and reform. Currently serving as a federal employee and the Chair of the Lived Experience Advisory Committee for Los Angeles County’s Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, Manuel is a prominent voice for veterans. His work has gained notable recognition, including features on KCAL CBS’s ‘Veteran Voices’ and the ‘Maketheconnection’ national mental health campaign by the Department of Veterans Affairs. As he works towards completing his Master’s in Social Work in 2024, he is well versed in trauma-informed care, veterans’ criminal justice policy, restorative justice, and mental health awareness. His deep knowledge in these fields has established him as a popular motivational speaker, renowned for engaging and inspiring diverse audiences. He notably served as the keynote speaker for the City of Norwalk, where his impactful speech highlighted systemic challenges faced by veterans, offering hope and solutions for meaningful change.

Presentation topics include:

1. Navigating Post-Incarceration Challenges: Insights into the rehabilitative journey and successful reintegration for veterans after incarceration.
2. Empowering Veteran Advocacy: Strategies for enhancing support and policy development for veterans within the justice system.
3. Mental Health and Resilience in Veterans: Addressing mental health issues unique to veterans, emphasizing the importance of resilience and accessible care.
4. Stories of Motivation and Overcoming Adversity: Manuel’s personal narrative of overcoming challenges, offering inspiration and hope.
5. Implementing Trauma-Informed Practices: Best practices in trauma-informed care tailored specifically for veteran services.
6. Building Bridges for Incarcerated Veterans: Exploring collaborative efforts between various organizations to support veterans in the justice system.