We had the good fortune of connecting with Maggie Guadarrama and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Maggie, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

My younger brother, Michael, was born in Tijuana Mexico. At an early age, he found himself hanging out at local skate parks in Rosarito (where he grew up). Someone lend him a skateboard and he began to skateboard.

I began to be amazed how much talent, passion, and dedication he had for the sport. Not only did skateboarding keep him out of trouble, but I found a connection of life and skateboarding. No matter how many times he broke a bone, he would heal, dust the dirt off and keep on riding. I would also see my brother falling 20 times, but as soon as he landed the trick, it didn’t matter how long it took him, what mattered was that he succeeded. That’s when I made the connection with life, we can never give up on our goals and dreams. Failing is part of success. The secret is never to give up.

No one in our family supported my brother and I began taking him to local skateboarding competitions. I began to get involved with his training, and bonded with the boys and girls that would skate with him, the bond grew stronger within the community of skateboarding in Tijuana and Rosarito throughout the years

After 8 years of helping the skateboarding communities down south, I decided to learn what was needed to become a non-profit organization 501c3 in the United States, so I could help more kids and youth, not only in education, but support them in their passion for skateboarding. It took 2 years, but we are now certified federal, state and DOJ cleared

My brother Michael inspired me to find my own passion for helping others and I connected both to form I6NITE. It’s pronounced “ignite” but it’s a number 6 instead of a G, because the 6 stands for the 6 principles my non-profit stands for, as well as my quote, “Spark your inner light, to a brighter future.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

I am the oldest of my siblings, most of my childhood I lived in a 3 bedrooms/1 bath and 20 family members. My father had come back from Vietnam War (Army) with PTSD and was an alcoholic. Growing up in this family was not easy. Even though no one went to my high school graduation, I continued to push myself into going to college. By the time I was in university, I was married and had 3 daughters. I was working full-time and going to school full-time. After my divorce, I continued attending school and earned 2 associate degrees and 2 bachelor’s degrees (Math and Social Sciences). All I wanted was to give my daughters a better life than mine. Even though my dreams were to create movies and animation, I obtained jobs in accounting. I kept focused on the future and how it could improve. I then learned of self-growth events in Los Angeles, and I have not looked back since.

Life has not been easy, I have had hundreds of obstacles throughout my life, but I kept focused and kept telling myself, “This is only temporary.”

After all I have been through, my faith has played a great part in my life. I can now relate to many income level families and cultures. I personally have been at poverty level at one point of my life. I know how difficult going from point A to point B can be, but I never took “no” for an answer and I was determined nothing in this world is impossible to accomplish. Sometimes you just need to run and hike a little more, some sweat needs to be shed.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Monday- San Diego is well known for their carne asada fries, I would take her to eat at Aldabertos in Chula Vista, I would then take her on a cruise over the Coronado Bridge and show her around the city in the car.

Tuesday- I would take her for lunch at Old Town Mexican Café, authentic food and great atmosphere. After lunch I would take her around Old Town and show her the amazing history.

Wednesday- I would take her to eat breakfast at Don Diego restaurant in Chula Vista. After breakfast I would take her to Coronado to walk around the beach, Coronado Hotel and downtown Coronado. Then take the ferry from Coronado to San Diego. Eat in downtown San Diego and take ferry back to Coronado.

Thursday- I would take her to Del Mar fair or horseracing (depending on season), we would eat Thai food in La Jolla and site see along the beach coast.

Friday- I would take her to walk around downtown San Diego and eat a late lunch at Café Sevilla. After we would hang out in downtown and listen to music and see night life.

Saturday- I would take her on a nice drive to Mt Laguna and Julian and have lunch and eat apple pie. For dinner we would stop by Janets café.

Sunday- I would take her to go take a nice walk in Lake Jennings, then take her to Barona Casino.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

When I began my journey in creating my non-profit organization I6NITE, I came across an event in Los Angeles of life coaching, mentors, and self-growth, and I attended. I didn’t know anyone, but I drove myself from San Diego to Los Angeles. I found myself surrounded by like-minded people and I felt I belonged. I learned how to find my passion, how to eliminate toxic people from my life, how to be a doer and became healthier and stronger in my mindset.

My first event was “Gracefully Fierce” by Christine Escobar, from this event I made amazing long-lasting friends. Then I won a VIP ticket to “Elite Mastermind” by Willy Escobar. During this event I learned about a man named Albert Preciado and how he had an event called Driven, I attended my first Driven event and I have been attending all Driven events ever since!

At Driven events I have met Dan Fleyshman, Tim Grover, Ed Mylett, Brad Lea, Bobby Castro, Rob and Sabina Luna, to name a few. I learned from them all.

But I couldn’t have accomplished all this if it wasn’t for the unconditional support of my Dad Mike A Rockin (RIP), my daughters Karla, Alyssa, Nayelli, my little brother Michael and my partner in crime Gilbert, and all the people who have mentored me, stood by my side and believed in me.

 

Website: www.i6nite.org

Instagram: @i6nite_nonprofit

Facebook: @i6nite_nonprofit

Youtube: @i6nite_nonprofit

Image Credits
All photos provided are solely property of I6NITE non-profit. All underage youth in photos have written consent from parents and/or guardians to be in media. These photos are events I6NITE has done in Tijuana, Rosarito and Ensenada throughout recent years. I try making an event every 6 months in different skateparks in low income/poverty level communities. I am hoping, I will be able to make these events in San Diego County soon. In photos you see Michael Rockin (my brother) and me. I have had toy drives in Chula Vista and have given away hundreds of toys since 2022, thanks to my mentor Dan Fleyshman’s toy donation. I keep providing groceries and clothes donations to needed families in Chula Vista, as well as school supplies. I adopted 10 families in Chula Vista last Christmas and was able to provide grocery gift cards for dinner and presents for their children.

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