Humanitarian. The word does not typically conjure an image of an angry, bitter, teenaged boy, engulfed in a life of drugs and gangs in the barrio of East L.A. But that was the picture of Robert Renteria, now a respected author, mentor, motivator, civic leader, and yes, humanitarian.

Through his books, which give both a message of hope, dreams, and a strategy for success, Renteria has touched the lives of tens of thousands of teenagers and adults throughout the country. The books and accompanying curriculum, donated by From the Barrio Foundation, are used in middle schools, high schools and colleges throughout the United States, as well as in churches, community centers, youth detention centers and jails. Now, the Central Asia Institute (CAI), a nonprofit organization promoting peace and education, locally and globally, is honoring Renteria for his achievements. During the CAI’s October 29th Building Bridges of Peace Conference in Chicago, Renteria will receive the Central Asia Institute’s Outstanding Humanitarian Award for his unceasing efforts to inspire today’s youth. “Robert Renteria has struggled to make the world more peaceful through his selfless actions,” says Sadia Ashraf, outreach coordinator for CAI. “I’m honored and thankful that CAI has recognized the value of the Barrio movement and message,” Renteria says, emphasizing the common goals both organizations share.

The CAI’s Building Bridges of Peace Conference will be held October 28th-29th at the Hilton Chicago, 720 South Michigan Ave. For tickets or for more information about the event, please visit www.ikat.org/chicago.