On April 26, 2025, the Strive Now nonprofit hosted its third annual gala, Collab & Create, and had a full house, uniting community members, local leaders, artists, and their inspiring students for a night of celebration and impact. More than just an elegant evening, the gala embodied Strive Now’s mission: to empower teens to live with purpose by connecting character, strong values, and community.

Hosted by Iris Lopez and headlined by keynote speaker and City Representative Ivan Niño, the night featured a three-course dinner, a local artist spotlight, a silent auction, and the presentation of the 2025 Tito’s Way Scholarship, which honors student resilience, leadership, and purpose.

Guests were also introduced to the newest Strive Now Collab Leadership Cohort and celebrated the growth of the organization since its founding in 2022. To date, Strive Now has delivered over 50 workshops, impacted more than 400 teens and mentors, awarded four scholarships, and led more than 15 community service projects, totaling over 750 hours of service across El Paso.

Strive Now's youth development approach blends hands-on mentorship with real-world experiences in emotional intelligence, soft skills, conflict resolution, and purpose-driven leadership. Through dynamic partnerships, including Boys & Girls Clubs, Youth for Christ, and the Juvenile Detention Center, the organization continues to expand its reach and commitment to helping teens thrive beyond academics.

As Executive Director Israel Castro shared during closing remarks: “Purpose is something we build every day, and tonight we saw how powerful that can be when our community shows up.”

Learn more about Strive Now at www.epstrivenow.org