No More Locked Doors

In prison, Michael Angel Monsivais “AKA Chino Mike” Founder & Executive Director of No More Locked Doors, saw a huge need; instead of waiting for someone else to fill that need—the warden, the BOP, the government—he took matters into his own hands. As a young man with limited economic, social, or community resources, Mike bounced in and out of the California correctional system. Eventually, he realized that he had to make a change in his life, or he would end up like his friends: “dead, doing life in prison, or strung out on dope.”

 

In prison, Mike began spending time in the prison law library. As a regular, he became familiar with the inmates and the education department staff. During conversations, he learned of the institution’s interest in creating a new vocational program. He began sharing welding experience, knowledge, and background. He told them about the Southern California Piledrivers Union and various other unions for welders.

 

Eventually, he proposed a vocational welding program as a step to rehabilitation and opportunity.

 

On December 19, 2013, the Education Department staff held the first Building Trades Career Fair. Special invited guests from various niches of the industry came and spoke to the students about current welding trends and employment opportunities, conducted demonstrations and workshops on cutting-edge techniques and equipment, and handed out brochures and pamphlets. The event was a huge success. The American Welding Society published an article about the event in their monthly Welding Journal. The warden reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to providing meaningful vocational training to the inmate population.

 

Once released from prison,  Mike knew he had the ability, the passion, and a purpose to impact more lives. That is when the real work began. Today, with the help of No More Locked Doors nonprofit organization Mike is able to reach the disadvantaged youth and disconnected adults by providing a career pipeline to the trades and other living wage industries.