More About Us

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Jose Lugo is a writer, speaker and founder of  

We Are All One Story.  Jose experienced repeated childhood trauma that would influence his decision to join an L.A. street gang when he was sixteen and would be convicted and sentenced to five years in prison at the age of eighteen. When he paroled from prison, he vowed to himself that he would never go back and dreamed of one day telling the stories of his peers.  At the age of thirty-one he would return to jail for a D.U.I. 

After his  incarceration, he had lost all hope. He took inventory of his life and saw himself only as a criminal with no value. On the brink of taking his own life, he cried  out to God and was able to remember a simple truth that he had believed as a child - that he as a person had inherent value and that his story had meaning. 

Jose has dedicated his life to sharing his experiences and helping others own their stories and find healing. 

Jose, why are you doing this?

“I believe that the only thing that matters in this world are people and the impact we leave on their hearts. When I re-found the value in my own story, I knew that I would have to help others do the same. This is the dream of my dreams; there is no other way for me.”

Roger Barajas is currently a student at the University of Texas at Austin studying Radio, Television & Film, Liberal Arts and Business Entrepreneurship. Roger is an active member in his college campus, having lead roles in student-run organizations and is involved with charitable works throughout the San Antonio and Austin areas. Roger is a full-time student, co-founder and a lead creative at We Are All One Story. 

Roger, why are you doing this?

“Because of the unmatched impact this has on people’s lives. I’ve been able to witness it first hand through the stories that we’ve shared. I feel that when someone attempts to find their story, they are also in the process of better finding themselves. Personally, I want others to succeed in whatever their creative aspirations are; I think the first part of that is recognizing the value in your own story."

Ralph DeQuebec joined the United States Marine Corps at 19. During his third combat deployment, he would be critically injured from an IED blast and would receive a Purple Heart for his actions in combat. During his recovery, he would discover the sport of Para Ice Hockey and once again represent his country in the Paralympic games. Ralph is a two-time Paralympic Gold Medalist, Purple Heart recipient and co-founder of We Are All One Story. 

Ralph, why are you doing this?

"I know what it’s like to lose the value in one's story. When I shared my story, I shared some of the most pivotal experiences in my life with the world... good and bad. In doing so, I felt the power with each word I spoke shift from victim to owner. It helped me realize that even though my past has helped shape me as a person, it didn’t define me. It allowed me to rediscover the value in my own story. I’m here to share my story with honesty and vulnerability in hopes that it will inspire others to do the same."