Episode 199. The Power of Purpose: Jorge Mahauad and AMI Kids Transforming Youth

On this episode of The Corelink Solution, host James (Trig) Rosseau Sr. welcomes Jorge Mahauad, a leader whose work is rooted in transformation, service, and helping young people discover their true potential. As the Director of Marine Education and Yacht Marketing at AMI Kids, Jorge blends his lifelong love for the ocean with a deep passion for youth development, using experiential education to help vulnerable youth build brighter futures.

From the Galápagos to a Life of Purpose

Jorge’s journey begins in the Galápagos Islands, where he grew up surrounded by the ocean. His grandfather was one of the early pioneers of tourism in the region, and Jorge took his first scuba dive at an age he laughingly admits was “too young.” That early exposure ignited a lifelong passion for the marine world. But his purpose was always bigger than the water. Even as a young adult, he knew he wanted to empower people. He considered studying psychology but ultimately chose to follow his passion for marine activities, owning a dive center with his wife in the Galápagos before moving to the United States. Over time, the pieces aligned: his love for the ocean and his desire to uplift others merged into a unified mission—helping young people grow through life-changing experiences.

Transforming Lives Through Experiential Education

At AMI Kids, experiential education isn’t a bonus; it’s the heart of the program. Kids learn through doing—boating, diving, ropes courses, fishing, and environmental work. These activities push them outside their comfort zones in safe, supportive ways that foster growth. Jorge shares a powerful story about a student who struggled for weeks to pass a basic swim test. When he finally learned to float, Jorge asked him how it made him feel. The student replied, “I feel capable. If I work for things, I can achieve them.” That moment wasn’t just about floating—it was about helping a young person uncover their own strength. Jorge calls these moments “little balls of gold.” When students discover them, those insights carry over into school, home, relationships, and everyday life.

The Secret Sauce: Role Models, Education, and Healing

AMI Kids has been helping youth since 1969, starting when a Florida judge realized that sending kids to harsher correctional facilities wasn’t helping. Instead, he partnered with a marine science program and noticed something remarkable—the kids stopped returning to court. That transformation revealed three essential ingredients: Positive role models: Young people thrive when they have adults they can relate to and trust. Education: Success in school builds confidence—something many students haven’t experienced before. Mental and behavioral health support: Much of the behavior seen in the youth comes from unaddressed trauma. Healing must be part of the process. All of this is tied together through experiential learning, which gives kids a hands-on environment where they can focus, participate, and discover what they are capable of.

Serving Vulnerable Youth—and Expanding Beyond

AMI Kids serves youth from a wide range of vulnerable situations, including foster care, juvenile justice, unstable homes, and environments shaped by trauma or substance abuse. But Jorge emphasizes that these lessons apply to every child. The organization aims to expand and serve the broader community, offering growth-centered activities that help all kids build confidence and purpose.

Building Futures Through Career Development

Helping students discover career pathways is another cornerstone of the mission. AMI Kids trains youth in fields like construction, culinary arts, and other hands-on industries where entry-level jobs are abundant and career growth is possible. In a world increasingly shaped by AI, Jorge notes that these roles are often more future-proof because they require physical skill, hands-on thinking, and real-world problem-solving.

Breaking Barriers Through Volunteer Engagement

Volunteers play a major role in the AMI Kids experience. Jorge describes a recent seagrass restoration project where corporate volunteers worked alongside students to learn citizen science. These moments spark meaningful connection. When successful adults and vulnerable youth interact as equals, stereotypes crumble and humanity takes center stage. Jorge calls this process “breaking barriers”—and it’s often as transformative for volunteers as it is for the students. Through his work, Jorge Mahauad shows that transformation doesn’t happen in classrooms alone. It happens in the water, on boats, through hands-on experiences, and through meaningful relationships. When young people are given support, guidance, and opportunities to discover themselves, they don’t just stay afloat—they thrive. To learn more or get involved, visit amikids.org

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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – James opens the show and introduces guest Jorge Mahauad

00:45 – Jorge shares one thing most people don’t know about him

01:20 – Discussing Jorge’s roots in Ecuador and the Galápagos

03:00 – Early life, first scuba dive, and discovering his passion

04:30 – Choosing between psychology and marine work

05:20 – Running a dive center and relocating to the U.S.

06:10 – Using marine education to help young people grow

06:45 – The story of a student who learned to float and found confidence

08:15 – Helping youth discover their identity and purpose

09:30 – Jorge’s belief in purpose revealing itself over time

10:30 – Clarifying his “state of service”

11:25 – The history of AMI Kids and its founding in 1969

12:20 – How marine-based programs helped reduce juvenile recidivism

13:10 – The three pillars: role models, education, mental health

14:00 – Why experiential learning works for kids with ADHD and trauma

15:30 – The importance of outdoor environments for youth

16:40 – What “vulnerable youth” means within AMI Kids

17:55 – Shifting toward serving the broader community

19:00 – The role of workforce development and career training

20:45 – The impact of mentorship and hands-on learning

22:00 – How AI shapes future workforce opportunities

23:10 – Expanding AMI Kids through community partnerships

24:20 – Different types of programs and how long students stay

26:00 – The growing importance of volunteer involvement

27:05 – Volunteers, seagrass restoration, and breaking stereotypes

28:10 – Why bringing youth and adults together creates “golden moments”

29:00 – Closing thoughts and how to support AMI Kids