Fortitude
Everyone has a story of Fortitude! When we tell our stories of pain in adversity - stories of courage, redemption and hope - we give others permission to speak up and get the help they need. Each episode will give the listener a look inside what overcoming adversity looks like no matter what life throws at you. Each story is uniquely different - stories of alcoholism/addiction, infidelity, rape, abuse, loss of a child/children, cancer, rare disease, tragic accidents...etc.! We are in this life together to support one another and build community around hope and redemption. I am your host, Heather Kittelson, and I am so excited to have you here as part of the Fortitude community!
Fortitude
#23: Manny Gutierrez - From the Bronx to the Midwest - Checkmate!
Raised in the Bronx by a single mamma and older sister, Manny found himself in 'fight' mode most of his childhood and young adult years. Living in a constant state of survival in the middle of the crack/cocaine crisis, amongst some of the toughest gangs and drug lords, Manny managed to escape this destructive and dangerous lifestyle.
Football was the vehicle that brought Manny (E-Man) to the Midwest with a scholarship to play football at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell SD. Manny's life went from gangs and drug infested streets - to living in a town with a literal corn palace (https://cornpalace.com). After surviving the culture shock of the move, the scholarship became the best thing that could have ever happened to Manny for his career, his family and his eternal salvation.
With all the twists and turns that one can imagine Manny's detailed childhood stories will intently grab your attention in disbelief and then have you standing up at the end cheering him on for the life he leads now! Manny is a warrior for Christ!
Manny is also a Father, Sports Coach, Author, Hip Hop Artist, Motivational Speaker, Public figure, Barber, Jack of many trades.
Manny is the Director of Community engagement for Think 3D Solutions, https://letsthink3d.com/ and the Head football Coach at O’Gorman Junior High School in Sioux Falls, SD.
@mannydawgz on Instagram
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