About POI
POI Network was founded by two individuals with a passion for giving better opportunities to today's youths. Fred Noya and Michelle Pagtakhan shared a vision of finding solutions to help youths and their families who are challenged with difficulties from outside peer pressure. Some of these obstables may involve a lifestyle of substance abuse, school delinquency, communication and relationship problems, interpersonal issues, sexual exploitation, and criminal activities. They believe making a positive impact on youths can lead them towards a safer future and helping discover their untapped potential as they reach adulthood.
FRED NOYA - Founder
Fred Noya was raised in Hawthorne, California and was exposed to many of these challenging elements as a youth. He witnessed the struggles and was influenced by "friends" who he thought was looking out for his best interest. Fortunately a childhood mentor approached him at the right time and pushed him to discover his talents in sports and physical activity. He was cleared from a destructive lifestyle and after seeing how much of an impact a mentor had on his future, he knew where fate was leading him. Today with 25 years of extensive experience working with the at-risk community as a Peace Officer with the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, his mission in life has come true. Fred has remained faithful to his beliefs through his proud years of service in his efforts to make communities better and safer.
Michelle Pagtakhan - Co-Founder
Michelle Pagtakhan discovered her passion through childhood experiences. Raised in Long Beach, California to a very traditional, first-generation family who struggled to identify with the "American Dream". She observed the difficulties with communication and acceptance her family and others alike went through. This was the beginning of her venture to understand the differences in family dynamics and culture. Michelle received a B.A. from UC Irvine and certified in Parenting and Life Skill classes for Youths. Michelle has worked with individuals in mental health, human trafficking, and at-risk youths with a focus on strengthening interpersonal and family relationships.
It is Fred and Michelle's passion that brought them together to form Positive Outlook Intervention Network (POI). POI's goal is to guide youths to become positive building blocks to create a better and safer community for themselves and their families. POI firmly believes that if every community with under-served youths was given access to programs devoted to the battles they face daily, success and a fulfilling future lies ahead. With early intervention, especially during the adolescent years, it can make a strong impact to the individual mentally, emotionally, and socially, for a healthy future. Every youth deserves an opportunity to achieve success.
