30. Staying present, grounded, and open

I was fortunate to record this bonus episode for Season 3 with longtime friend and colleague Ignacio Ferrey. Ignacio Ferrey is a husband, son, daddy/papi and advocate committed to eliminating health and educational disparities as they impact communities of color. His “fatherhood journey” started with the birth of his first child in 2001, and often reflects on how his family and career have grown up together. Ignacio has 20+ years of experience in health, education, leadership development, as well as father and family services throughout California. Ignacio is a Certified Professional Coach (co-creator, Water & Fire Coaching) and works with Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, with a focus on school health partnerships and expanding fatherhood services. Before joining Alameda County, Ignacio expanded fatherhood services and teen programs at a family service agency and before that, eight years overseeing program and strategic planning at a Federally Qualified Health Center. As a first-generation student, Ignacio has earned a BA in Sociology from San José State University, a Master of Public Health (MPH) and a Master of Arts (MA) in Latin American Studies from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He is an active member in the following: Alameda County Fathers Corps, National Compadres Network, Gamma Zeta Alpha Fraternity and International Coach Federation and on the Board of Dads Evoking Change and African-American Latino Action Alliance. Ignacio is married to his lifelong partner, Laura, and enjoys outdoor music festivals, barbecuing, cultural events, traveling and creating experiences for family and friends.