MEET THE TEAM
Learn more about our Founder Dr. Katie Lopez
Dr. Katie Lopez
Founder & Executive Director
I was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula. I practically lived on the softball field growing up. My mother did everything she could to make sure we had a “normal” life when the family faced the struggles of a single parent household. Through my family struggles, I had always had a drive. I would volunteer and be a part of whatever I could.
A program called Upward Bound offered me a spot in the program which changed my life. I was able to take the drive and passion to become something and focused it on a goal of graduating high school and going to college. As the first person in my family to not only attend college but to complete my PhD of Management in Organizational Leadership and obtain a Masters in Christian Ministries, I continued to push for my dreams.
Growing up I was not a regular church attender. I did believed in God, but it was not until my senior year in high school when I devoted my life to serve the Lord, which is exactly what I have done ever since. When I was walking up the hill to my high school, God placed it on my heart to open a teen center. I will never forget that day nor that moment. Everything that I have done since that point was to achieve that vision. My education, jobs, and experiences have been nothing but to prepare for the moment I open the doors to The Furnace God envisioned me with when I was a teen myself.
My calling is for youth specifically teenagers. I saw the lack of opportunity for youth gatherings and have been preparing myself for this moment. I have developed my calling through working with recreation centers and nonprofits for over 20 years. I have continued to volunteer with Young Life and serve as the Youth Pastor at my home church.
I want to give the next generation the opportunity to discover their calling, passion, and drive in their lives. I want to provide a place where the teenagers can come and be with their peers in a safe environment that has a Christian foundation. It will not be a church, but Jesus will be present. My goal is to not only help the next generation grow strong and successful, but to bring the community together in supporting the vision. I know this will be a community effort. This is the generation that will take the baton from us in later years. These are our kids in our community that need the opportunity to be themselves in a place that can better themselves.
If you have a similar passion, please reach out to me. I want to partner with you.
Lord Bless,
Dr. Katie Lopez