OUR STORY

The Made New Foundation emerged from our personal transformations during incarceration. With almost six decades of combined experience behind bars, we realized the need for change within ourselves and our communities. Our mission is clear: to empower those transitioning back into society, support the homeless, and guide individuals seeking fresh starts.

We've built valuable connections with organizations and individuals who aided our successful reintegration. Now, we're extending these resources to others. We believe in early intervention and education, especially for at-risk youth. By partnering with local schools and community centers, we inspire and mentor young individuals, equipping them to make positive life choices.

Our commitment is to rewriting life narratives. By channeling our experiences into meaningful initiatives, we aim to create lasting change and offer hope to those working toward brighter futures. Through personal growth, community engagement, and unwavering dedication, we're on a mission to transform lives and communities.

Meet the Team at Made New Foundation

Rafael Quiroz

Executive Director 



Rafael Quiroz is a multi-talented individual with four honors degrees and an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. He's a devoted man of faith, a business owner, mentor, motivational speaker, family man, and a passionate advocate for societal progress. Rafael's charisma and sense of humor add to his dynamic personality.

His journey includes overcoming a life sentence received at 18 due to poor choices. Through self-reflection, hard work, and newfound honesty, he transformed his life and earned both a second chance and his freedom. Now, as a financial literacy and business/career coach, he gives back to his community. Rafael's story is a testament to resilience and change, inspiring others along the way.

Major Bunton

Director of Programming

Hailing from Inglewood, Major is deeply passionate about bettering his community. He is dedicated to providing vital resources, counseling, reentry housing, and support through various organizations in Inglewood and neighboring areas.

Major's journey to expertise includes involvement in transformative programs like Breaking Barriers, AA and NA recovery groups, Domestic Violence, Anger and Stress Management, and more. These experiences have honed his skills in empowerment and mental health support.

He is also a strong advocate for creative expression as a tool for growth and healing, serving as a Teaching Artist for Creative Acts, an organization promoting social justice through the arts. Additionally, Major is a fitness coach, committed to helping others achieve their physical well-being.

With his multifaceted expertise and dedication to holistic transformation, Major Bunton plays a crucial role in the Made New Foundation's mission to empower individuals to break free from adversity and embrace new beginnings.

Sithy Bin

Community Engagement Director



Sithy is on a mission to empower justice-involved individuals through reentry transformation. With a background in counseling and coaching, he runs Sithy In Session LLC, where he's helped countless people manage stress, enhance emotional intelligence, and overcome challenges.

In collaboration with the Made New Foundation family, Sithy explores the potential of virtual reality (VR) to create immersive scenarios for individuals facing high-risk situations.

Beyond his professional work, Sithy actively seeks community partnerships to amplify his impact. His vision is to help individuals embrace their journey to reclaim their lives, rewriting their narratives and embracing new beginnings. His motto: 'A smart person learns from their own mistakes; a wise person learns from the mistakes of others.' Sithy strives to be wise and encourages others to do the same.

Shannon Royster

Administrative Director



Shannon Royster, a proud Santa Maria native, holds an Associate's degree in Social and Behavioral Health from Allan Hancock College. With an unwavering desire to assist those in need, Shannon dedicated 18 years to the FQHC medical field as a patient advocate. During this time, she ensured uninsured individuals received proper medical care while also educating the community about the importance of accessible healthcare. Her career at Community Health Centers spanned 15 years, including roles as a Manager and Corporate Trainer.She's equally passionate about youth advocacy, dedicating over 20 years to understanding and addressing youth-related issues, including a decade on the Board of Directors of Outreach for Planting A Seed Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit.Shannon's community commitment extends to her role as a leader in the Children's Ministry at True Vine Bible Fellowship, where she impacts young lives across the Central Coast.

Aaron Bray

Director of Innovation


It's a story of a young person who emerged from challenging circumstances in the neighborhood, thrived at Harvard University, and ultimately returned to the very community that shaped him.

Aaron is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, backed by a robust academic background. He holds a BA from Brandeis University, a JD from Harvard Law School, and an LL.M from Georgetown University Law Center. Currently, as an active member of the Beyond the Bars LA National Conference Planning Committee at UCLA, Aaron contributes to reshaping the criminal justice system.

Aaron's unique perspective on the criminal justice system is deeply rooted in his diverse experiences. He has navigated this system as a defendant, a criminal defense attorney, and a prison professor. Through these roles, he has developed a comprehensive understanding of its complexities and the profound impact it has on individuals and communities. In essence, Aaron embodies the spirit of a scholar warrior. 

Sitthiar (Tia) Otto

Marketing Coordinator



Tia, is on a journey to inspire positive change and lead by example. With an Associate's degree in Business Administration from Santa Rosa Jr. College and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Management from Sonoma State University, she brings a diverse set of skills to the table.

Her personal brand revolves around a simple philosophy: honesty, ambitious, and compassion. She strive each day to be a better version of herself than she was yesterday, and hopes to encourage others to do the same.

One of her primary aspirations is to become a transformative leader who not only achieves personal success but also empowers those around her to reach their full potential. She is dedicated to making a positive impact on the community and the business world.

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