MEET THE TEAM
Learn more about our Founder Dr. Katie Lopez
Dr. Katie Lopez
Founder & Executive Director
My Story & Vision
I was born and raised on the Monterey Peninsula, and growing up, I practically lived on the softball field. As the child of a single mother, I watched my mom do everything she could to give our family a stable and “normal” life despite the challenges we faced. Those
experiences shaped me. They taught me resilience, compassion, determination, and the importance of having people who believe in you.
From a young age, I developed a drive to make something of my life. I volunteered, got involved, and took advantage of every opportunity I could find. One of those opportunities was Upward Bound, a program that changed the trajectory of my life. It gave me the encouragement and resources to turn my drive into a goal: graduate from high school and go to college.
I became the first person in my family to attend college and ultimately earned a PhD in Management with an emphasis in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. I also earned a second master’s degrees in Christian Ministries from Oral Roberts University. My educational journey has equipped me with a strong foundation in organizational leadership, ministry, and community development.
I believe strongly in the value of education, and I know firsthand how education can open doors. But I also understand that a traditional college education is not the right path for every young person.
Success does not come in one size or through one pathway.
Not every teenager will graduate from high school and want to attend a four-year university. Some have different passions, different gifts, and different ways of learning. That does not mean they lack ambition or the potential to succeed. Sometimes, they simply need someone to help them discover where their passion and abilities intersect.
I have seen this in my own family.
My brother struggled in school, but he had a passion for cars. While the traditional classroom was difficult for him, he found something he loved and developed a skill in the automotive industry. Today, he has been able to turn that passion into a successful career.
His story reinforced something I deeply believe: we have to give young people the opportunity to discover that there is more than one way to build a successful future.
That is why The Furnace will intentionally introduce teenagers to the trades and career pathways beyond the traditional college experience.
We want to expose young people to opportunities in areas such as automotive technology, construction, electrical work, plumbing, welding, cosmetology, culinary arts, entrepreneurship, and other skilled trades and career fields. Our goal is not simply to tell teenagers about these opportunities, but to help them discover their interests, develop their skills, connect with mentors and professionals, and begin paving a pathway toward a career they can be passionate about.
The Furnace will help teenagers discover, develop, and pursue their God-given gifts, whether that leads them to college, a skilled trade, entrepreneurship, a career, or another pathway to success.
My calling became clear during my senior year of high school.
One day, while walking up the hill to my high school, I felt God place a vision on my heart to create a place specifically for teenagers. I have never forgotten that moment. In many ways, everything I have done since then has been preparation for that vision.
That vision is now becoming The Furnace.
For more than 20 years, I have intentionally developed my leadership and experience through working with recreation centers, nonprofits, youth organizations, and the faith community. I volunteer with Young Life and currently serve as a Youth Pastor at my home church. Every experience has strengthened my conviction that young people need more than programs. They need people who believe in them, places where they belong, mentors who will guide them, and opportunities to discover who they were created to become.
As the Founder and CEO of The Furnace, my mission is to create a safe, welcoming environment where teenagers can gather, build relationships, discover their passions, develop their gifts, and find the confidence and drive to pursue their purpose.
The Furnace will be built on a Christian foundation. My desire is to create a place where every teenager feels welcomed, valued, and supported. Jesus will be present through the way we love, serve, lead, and invest in the next generation.
I believe leadership is not simply about what we accomplish for ourselves. True leadership is about creating opportunities for others to rise.
My own story is proof of what can happen when someone is given an opportunity and chooses to pursue it with determination. Upward Bound helped open a door for me. My brother found his pathway through his passion for cars. I want The Furnace to help today's teenagers discover their own pathway.
These are our kids. They are the generation that will eventually take the baton from us, and I believe we have a responsibility to prepare them for that moment.
Whether a teenager dreams of becoming a doctor, entrepreneur, mechanic, electrician, artist, teacher, tradesperson, business owner, pastor, or something we haven't even imagined yet, I want The Furnace to be the place that helps them see what is possible and gives them the tools, relationships, and encouragement to pursue it.
The Furnace is more than a vision I have carried since I was a teenager. It is a calling I have spent my life preparing to fulfill.
My mission is to help the next generation discover their calling, develop their gifts, pursue their passions, and build a successful future on whatever pathway God has placed before them.
If you have a similar passion, please reach out to me. I want to partner with you.
Lord Bless,
Dr. Katie Lopez