Dez Alvarado is the co-founder of DAY WON, a peer-led organization dedicated to supporting incarcerated individuals and at-risk youth through mentorship, restorative practices, and community engagement.
Born in Compton and raised on the North Side of Long Beach, Dez grew up in a multilingual, multicultural household. His father immigrated from Mexico, and his mother from Samoa. While the family instilled values of respect and discipline at home, the outside environment was shaped by gang violence, drugs, poverty, and systemic injustice.
Misunderstood by peers due to language and cultural barriers, Dez and his siblings often found themselves in conflict, ultimately leading several of them, including Dez, into gang involvement. By age 10, he was falsely accused of armed robbery and incarcerated—an experience that deeply impacted him and set a destructive path in motion. By 15, he was sentenced as an adult and spent much of his youth and early adulthood in and out of prison, including time in federal custody.
Upon his release at age 35, Dez faced overwhelming barriers: no ID, no credit history, no job, no housing—and no guidance. A missed drug class led to another parole violation just two weeks after release. It was at that low point that a new parole officer recognized his potential and reignited his drive to change.
Through a former cellmate, Solo Toala, Dez was offered a job that marked the beginning of a new chapter. Together, they began to support others like them—those who had been incarcerated and needed real support to reenter society. They quickly realized the power of lived experience as a model for successful reentry.
In 2021, Dez co-founded DAY WON with Sam Pule, beginning with youth mentorship among family and friends. Their impact expanded when they began volunteering in juvenile detention centers in Salt Lake City. Their work gained the attention of The Peacemaking Institute and the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Office. Together, they are launching a youth diversion and mentorship program to provide alternatives to incarceration and help young people find a path forward.
Dez Alvarado, co-founder of DAY WON.
Sam Pule, co-founder (deceased).
DAY WON has grown into a cornerstone of community support in Utah. Through intervention, prevention, and suppression programs, the organization offers mentorship, sponsorships, trade opportunities, and resource-driven events such as back-to-school drives, holiday celebrations, and community-building initiatives—serving thousands annually, across all ethnicities and backgrounds. All efforts are self-funded and grounded in values of trust, integrity, and peace.
The Road Hasn’t Been Easy
Despite their success, the journey has been far from smooth. Dez and his team have faced skepticism due to their criminal records, financial hardships, misinformation, and challenges with collaboration and recognition in the nonprofit space. Still, they’ve let their actions speak louder than words—winning over critics and staying true to their mission.
Beyond DAY WON
Outside of his nonprofit work, Dez serves as a Superintendent at Burnt Mountain Services in Lindon, Utah, specializing in gas and traffic control installations. His team is known for setting high standards in safety and quality within the gas industry.
Looking Ahead
With the expansion of their healing circle curriculum in partnership with The Peacemaking Institute, Dez envisions DAY WON becoming a national model. By integrating lived experience into systems of justice and rehabilitation, DAY WON is reshaping how society supports reentry and healing.