Our Partners

With 17 years of dedicated service in law enforcement, Officer Yovanna Gonzalez has spent the past four years as a key member of the San Diego Police Department's Gang Intervention Unit (GIU). The GIU is a specialized team consisting of five officers and one sergeant, operating as a Zero Enforcement Unit focused on prevention, mentoring, and community building rather than traditional policing. Their mission centers on guiding youth from elementary school through high school by educating them about the dangers of gang involvement, fostering team building, establishing trust, and creating positive, long-lasting relationships within their communities.

The unit is deeply committed to the youth they serve, running multiple programs throughout the year with the invaluable support of dedicated community partners. These initiatives are carefully designed to expose young people to new experiences, provide consistent guidance and officer support, and offer opportunities in environments where resources are often limited. By bridging the gap between law enforcement, youth, and the broader community, the GIU helps create meaningful moments and lasting memories that support entire families—especially in high-risk areas where parents work tirelessly just to make ends meet, leaving little time to provide the experiences they wish for their children.

This work is profoundly personal to Yovanna. Having lost both of her parents at the age of 14 and finding herself on her own by 17, she understands firsthand how challenging it is to navigate life without direction, support, or a sense of family. That lived experience fuels her unwavering commitment to the juveniles she serves—many of whom face similar circumstances in neighborhoods where opportunities feel out of reach.

Throughout the majority of her career, Yovanna has worked closely with juveniles, including those who are currently incarcerated or have previously been involved in the justice system. She assists them with basic life skills, helps rebuild the trust they may have lost in law enforcement, and witnesses their gradual transformation as they begin to communicate more openly, aspire to more for their lives, and engage positively with officers. For Yovanna, seeing these changes—even when they happen slowly—is one of the greatest rewards. The work is not about instant results; it requires time, consistency, and patience. But the relationships built and the progress observed make every effort deeply meaningful and impactful.

Officer Gonzalez's approach embodies the GIU's core belief: when law enforcement shows up with genuine care and consistency, it becomes a bridge to hope, belonging, and brighter futures.

Officer Estrada has dedicated countless hours to the Gang Resistance Education and Training (G.R.E.A.T.) Program, delivering impactful lessons to 4th graders at Chollas Meade Elementary in the mornings. You’d often find him on the playground, meeting up with the kids, playing kickball, and building genuine, positive connections that foster trust and open doors for meaningful conversations.

Beyond the classroom, Officer Estrada continues to support the San Diego Police Department Gang Intervention Unit through a wide range of community initiatives, including food distributions, holiday events, sports programs, and much more. His unwavering commitment to youth mentorship, prevention, and relationship-building aligns perfectly with the GIU's mission of guiding young people away from gang involvement through education, team building, and consistent support.

We are thrilled to welcome Officer Estrada with open arms into the Pando Impact community. His heart is truly focused on making limitless strides in kids' worlds—gaining momentum to change lives one positive interaction at a time. Through his work, he helps create safe spaces where children feel seen, supported, and empowered, bridging law enforcement with families and communities in ways that inspire lasting hope and belonging.