The founder and President of The Exception, Ramon Ramos, has an incredible life story that defies all odds.  Born and raised in the rough streets of San Bernardino, California, he was surrounded by the harsh realities of drug addiction and gang violence from an early age. His future appeared bleak, and the prospect of a life in prison seemed inevitable.

 

By the age of 15, he found himself heavily involved in gangs, battling a meth addiction and living homeless on the streets. Determined to break free, Ramon embarked on a journey of personal transformation. His experiences inspired him to establish a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life through a holistic approach to wellness.

 

Ramon's story of overcoming adversity is at the heart of The Exception's name and ethos. He refused to accept the grim predictions others had made for his life and became "The Exception." His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to others facing seemingly insurmountable challenges, encouraging them to be the best version of themselves.

 

He now has over 25 years of experience mentoring at-promise youth and those impacted by the justice system and has dedicated himself to making a positive impact in the lives of young people and their families. Today he works to create a culture of servant leadership and effectively manages relationships with community stakeholders, media, and government officials, advancing expansion projects and outreach.

 

Most recently he was appointed as the Chairman of the Juvenile Justice Coordinating Council Ad Hoc Committee in Riverside County to help establish a community-based approach for youth justice system services. This also led him to create what is now known as the CBO Alliance of Riverside County, a dynamic group of community based organizations, united by a shared commitment to fostering vibrant communities and addressing systemic challenges.