About Us

The PowerMentor journey began in the 1990’s when Kevin LaChapelle, then a police officer, met Jose Orozco at a fast-food drive-thru. What started as a casual conversation about college aspirations led to a transformative mentorship. Inspired by LaChapelle’s encouragement, Orozco earned his GED, enrolled in college, and set his sights on becoming an attorney.

Kevin LaChapelle is a dynamic healthcare executive and humanitarian leader with a diverse background spanning leadership, law enforcement, healthcare, education, and nonprofit work. His career is defined by a deep commitment to serving underrepresented and vulnerable communities.

As the CEO of a community health center in San Diego, Kevin plays a pivotal role in advancing healthcare access for refugees and underserved populations. He has also held key leadership positions in major healthcare organizations, further strengthening his impact in the field.

Kevin’s dedication to service extends beyond healthcare. He began his career as a police officer, developing a strong foundation in public service and community trust. His humanitarian efforts have taken him across the U.S. and internationally, leading aid projects and fostering global partnerships. Through his nonprofit, PowerMentor, he has facilitated leadership development and project-based learning opportunities for underserved communities.

Kevin is also an active participant in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), where he collaborates with current and emerging foreign leaders to strengthen global ties and support U.S. foreign policy objectives. His work in international health and diplomacy underscores his commitment to building cross-cultural connections.

Holding a Doctor of Education in Leadership and a Master of Public Administration, Kevin is a versatile and respected leader. As a Core Adjunct Professor at National University, he mentors and prepares future healthcare professionals, furthering his lifelong dedication to education and leadership development.

This encounter was just the beginning. As their friendship grew, so did their ambitions. Orozco challenged LaChapelle to pursue his own college education, leading to the founding of PowerMentor in 1999. Since then, PowerMentor has changed lives—one person at a time—through mentorship and leadership development.

José Orozco is a skilled and tenacious trial attorney with a passion for justice and a commitment to protecting the rights of his clients. José has built a reputation as a knowledgeable and compassionate advocate who fights vigorously in and out of the courtroom.

José began his legal career as a Deputy Public Defender with the San Diego County Public Defender’s Office, where he handled thousands of cases ranging from low-level misdemeanors to serious felonies. During his tenure, he also had the privilege of representing minors in delinquency matters, gaining invaluable experience in juvenile defense. This early career experience shaped him into a formidable trial attorney with a deep understanding of the criminal justice system and the ability to navigate complex legal challenges.

After several years as a public defender, José transitioned into private practice, founding his own law firm to continue advocating for clients in a variety of legal matters. His extensive courtroom experience and strategic litigation skills have made him a highly effective attorney in criminal defense, family law, and civil litigation. He has successfully represented clients in high-stakes cases, leveraging his deep knowledge of the law and commitment to client advocacy.

Beyond his legal practice, José is dedicated to ensuring access to justice for all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. His ability to approach each case with both aggressiveness and empathy allows him to deliver results while maintaining a client-centered approach. His philosophy is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves a strong defense and fair representation.

With a reputation for being a relentless advocate, skilled negotiator, and formidable trial attorney, José Orozco continues to serve his clients with integrity and determination.

In 2005, LaChapelle and Orozco met Agustin Peña, another young man with a dream of becoming a lawyer. Despite facing immense tragedy, including the loss of his brother to gang violence, Peña persevered with the support of his mentors. Today, both Orozco and Peña serve as attorneys in San Diego, while LaChapelle earned his Doctorate in Leadership.

Agustin Peña, raised in City Heights, has dedicated his career to upholding justice and serving his community. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from San Diego State University in 2009 and his law degree from California Western School of Law in 2012.

As a San Diego County Deputy District Attorney in the Major Narcotics Division, Agustin prosecutes complex drug trafficking cases, working with state, local, and federal agencies to combat the manufacturing, transportation, and importation of narcotics. Previously, he prosecuted domestic violence and elder abuse cases in the Family Protection Division and has handled homicides, carjackings, sexual assaults, and other violent crimes. His courtroom expertise and strategic litigation skills have made him a highly respected prosecutor within the legal community.

His contributions to the field have earned him the San Diego Business Journal’s “Leaders in Law” award in 2021, and in 2022, he was named California Western School of Law’s “Adjunct Professor of the Year” for the L.L.M. program, recognizing his impact as an educator and mentor.

Since 2014, Agustin has trained law students, attorneys, judges, and law enforcement personnel across Latin America, sharing expertise on investigative techniques, rules of evidence, and courtroom presentation. His dedication to justice, mentorship, and legal education continues to shape future legal professionals while strengthening international judicial systems.