Ronald Patton

Raised in Compton, California Ronald witnessed the grit of urban life at a young age. Those early experiences ultimately led him to become a product of the California Youth Authority and the Heman G. Stark Youth Training School, a correctional institution for juvenile offenders in Chino, CA. Although he was incarcerated, his mind wasn't and Ronald read everything from law books to Sidney Sheldon novels which helped to shape his perception of the world. While there, Ronald was among only 2% of the entire California Youth Authority population to enter into the college program where he majored in psychology. He began to analyze thought and behavior patterns, which caused him to change his own. After being released from the institution, he continued his education and wanted give back what he had unconsciously taken from the community and became a noted film editor, photographer and highly recognized community activist at the federal, state and local level by creating numerous community-based programs and events. In turning his life around, he has personally and positively impacted the lives of several thousand youths in Southern California. Ronald created PARTICIP8 (pronounced Participate), a program dedicated to teaching high school students how to create professional video projects (which includes, but not limited to; writing, acting, directing, producing cinematography and editing). In addition to his master's degree in business, Ronald has also created a financial literacy program that teaches inner city youths (and adults) life skills based around time and money management. As a writer, director and cinematography creative, Ronald draws from his own life experience to tell exciting and interesting stories in his own unique voice.