Miguel Perla, Director The Gateway Project
Miguel Perla is the Co-Founder and Director of The Gateway Project, a community initiative focused on healing and empowerment for youth and families impacted by violence. With over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, he is dedicated to creating safe spaces for growth and transformation.
Grapple and Grow was created based on his own journey and deep belief in the power of wrestling to teach discipline, resilience, and self-worth. Above all, he is a proud husband and father to a son and daughter, and his commitment to family drives his passion for building strong, supportive communities.
Christina Luna, Co-Founder & Case Manager, The Gateway Project
Christina Luna is the Co-Founder of The Gateway Project and a deeply committed member of the Southeast Los Angeles community, where she has lived and served for over 15 years. A proud Angeleno, Christina was born and raised in Los Angeles and began her career in case management at just 19 years old.
Her personal experiences growing up with childhood trauma have fueled a lifelong passion to support others facing similar challenges. Christina’s work is rooted in empathy, resilience, and a profound understanding of the lasting effects of adversity. She holds a certification in gang intervention from Cal State LA and has served as a dedicated case manager, advocating for youth with compassion and purpose.
With 11 years of experience as a paralegal in the family law court system and her own journey as a justice-impacted individual, Christina brings a unique and powerful perspective to her work. She uses her lived experience to build trust, foster healing, and empower youth to navigate life’s obstacles with strength and hope.
A mother of three, Christina finds joy in watching documentaries and exploring music across genres in her free time. Her life and work reflect a deep, selfless commitment to building brighter futures for the next generation.