Staff: Shane Robles

Shane joined Friends of the Children in 2026 as a Professional Mentor.Originally from San Diego, California, Shane worked with youth primarily in the context of high school Speech and Debate, helping youth find their voices and speak on issues that are dear to their hearts. During his five years as a speech coach, he coached 16 students to their respective state finals rounds in both New York and California with three state runners-up, four state champions, and even one national finalist. Apart from competitive speech and debate, Shane has taught public speaking in classrooms with ages as young as 9 and as old as 19.

Shane stays firmly rooted in the meaning of his work due to his own lived experience. The caring adults who supported him helped shape his path today, and he believes it is his calling to give back to those who are in need of the same kind of support that put him on a trajectory for success. He believes in empowering youth through education, art, advocacy, and healing as a foundation for lasting growth.

Shane is pursuing an economics degree at San Jose State University with the ultimate goal of working in under-resourced institutions and championing economic literacy in the communities that need it most.

"Ownership of a process" is the best way to explain Shane's personal interests. He loves all aspects of music: playing, producing, and listening, primarily exploring this interest through the guitar which he has played for over a decade. He loves to eat, and that same hands-on instinct carries into his love for being in the kitchen. He also enjoys film photography, staying active, cinema, arts, literature, cars and motorcycles, coffee, and sports.