Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Father Gregory Boyle

Founder of Homeboy Industries

Father Gregory Boyle Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Founder of Homeboy Industries

Speaker Profile Thumbnail for Father Gregory Boyle
Speaking Fee:
$10,000 to $20,000

Travels From:
LAX - Los Angeles (All Airports)

Primary Topic Category:
Christian

Secondary Topic Category:
Inspiration / Motivation / Overcoming Obstacles

 

Father Gregory Boyle Speaker Profile: At A Glance

A native Angeleno and Jesuit priest, from 1986 to 1992 Father Boyle served as pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, then the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles that also had the highest concentration of gang activity in the city. In 1988 they started what would eventually become Homeboy Industries, which employs and trains former gang members in a range of social enterprises, as well as provides critical services to thousands of men and women who walk through its doors every year seeking a better life. He has received the California Peace Prize and been inducted into the California Hall of Fame.

Father Gregory Boyle is a Jesuit priest and the founder of Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world. Raised in Los Angeles, California, he joined the Society of Jesus in 1972 and undertook rigorous training that included roles as a part-time prison chaplain and pastor in the most marginalized communities. Profoundly moved by his experiences, Father Boyle saw firsthand the struggles and potential of those caught in the cycle of gang violence and poverty. He committed himself to serve those often dismissed by society. In 1988, Father Boyle became the pastor of Dolores Mission Church in Boyle Heights, then widely recognized as the poorest Catholic parish in Los Angeles and located in one of the city’s most gang-infested neighborhoods. Under his leadership, the church community initiated several outreach projects aimed at offering alternatives to gang involvement. This work laid the foundation for Homeboy Industries, which was established to provide hope and a pathway for former gang members to turn their lives around. The initiative began with a simple idea: create jobs, training, and a community for those seeking to leave gang life behind. Homeboy Industries has since grown from a modest endeavor to an impactful organization that provides critical services such as tattoo removal, legal aid, mental health counseling, and educational classes. It operates several social enterprises, employing thousands of former gang members and at-risk youth. Father Boyle's work challenges conventional views on gang culture, emphasizing compassion, kinship, and the belief that no life is less valuable than another. His conviction that "nothing stops a bullet like a job" underscores the transformative power of employment and dignity. Father Boyle is also an accomplished author whose books, including "Tattoos on the Heart" and "Barking to the Choir," have resonated widely, blending stories of redemption with insights into the human spirit. His storytelling reflects his deep-rooted belief in the possibility of change and the importance of community support. Through his writing and speaking engagements, Father Boyle shares lessons learned from years of working with those society often overlooks, advocating for restorative justice and systemic change. With numerous accolades and awards, Father Boyle's inspirational journey continues to influence leaders and policymakers worldwide. His message of hope, resilience, and empathy touches audiences across various platforms, inviting all to see the world through a lens of compassion. Father Gregory Boyle remains a testament to the belief that love and understanding can dismantle barriers and pave pathways toward transformation and peace.
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