In May of 2017, I joined Defy Ventures as the first Executive Director for the Southern California chapter. In March of 2018, I also took on the role of CEO for the national organization and I have been doing both jobs ever since. While both roles bring their share of rewards (and challenges!), it has been clear to me for some time that this arrangement is not sustainable. Thanks to the ongoing and generous support of everyone in this wonderful Southern California community, the time has come for me to focus my attention fully on the growth and development of Defy Ventures nationally as CEO and President and pass the torch to a new leader of Defy SoCal.

 

After a three-month search, I am pleased to announce that Quan Huynh is the next Executive Director for Defy SoCal! Quan is both a graduate of the program and the longest serving member of the Defy SoCal team (he was my first hire after I took on the role). He brings a wealth of experience and commitment to Defy that I know will help carry the SoCal chapter forward as we work to serve more Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) and bring more people into this inspiring, transformative community. 

Many of you already know Quan in his current capacity as Sr. Manager of Entrepreneurship Programs. He will be transitioning into his new role in the coming weeks and I know you will all enjoy working with him in this new capacity. The future is very bright for Defy SoCal! Please read Quan’s letter below to learn more about him and his thoughts on this new role.

With gratitude,

Andrew Glazier
President and CEO, Defy Ventures

 

I am honored and grateful to be stepping into the role of Defy SoCal's Executive Director! 

My journey to this point has been a long one. As some of you in the Defy community may know, I joined Defy Ventures as an EIT while incarcerated with a life sentence, and have served over 22 years of my life behind bars.

In November 2015, I paroled, and shortly thereafter I launched my first company. Jade Janitors is still running to this day, and although it has been a successful venture, it has also been important for me to give back and make an impact through the organization that helped pave the way for my own entrepreneurial journey. That is why five years ago, I was thrilled to find out that Defy Ventures was expanding into Southern California and I joined the SoCal team to build out our post-release services. From there, my role and responsibilities in the organization have grown.

 

Today, I am proud to be tasked with leading the SoCal chapter of Defy Ventures to help expand opportunities for others with criminal histories. At Defy, we always remind the EITs that they are not defined by their worst mistake, and that we believe in them. I could not have gotten here without Defy practicing what they preach and I want to help others believe in their own unlimited potential. I am excited to use my experience as a Defy team member, an entrepreneur, and a former EIT to build an even stronger community of EITs, volunteers, supporters, allies, and champions who will drive our mission forward. 

For those of you whom I have met at our prison or post-release events, I am grateful that our paths have crossed, and I look forward to seeing you again soon. For those whom I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, thank you for supporting Defy Ventures, and your belief in second chances and the human capacity to change.

With gratitude,

Quan Huynh
Executive Director, Defy Ventures SoCal