Xion Roman

Member

Founder, Brethren Builders Limited

Roman was born in the city of Lowell, Mass. just north of Boston, but as a child lived in Puerto Rico with various family members. As the son of addicted and imprisoned parents, he quickly became involved with the system soon after being returned to the states and then a ward of the state in the forms of both juvenile detention and foster homes shortly thereafter. These unstable and oftentimes violent agencies made up most of Roman’s childhood and adolescent years. Despite the barriers he was able use the difficulties of his upbringing in the systems as fuel in life and went on to become a Marine. From a young age, Roman exhibited a curiosity for learning and the tenacity to overcome all hardships; qualities that would become defining characteristics in his life.

The pursuit of knowledge is a cornerstone in Roman’s life. Forced by circumstance to receive his GED after becoming a father at age 15, he is currently in his junior year at Merrimack College with a concentration on business and leadership.

Being a vigorous learner also afforded Roman the opportunity to learn the construction trades which helped birth his own company, Brethren Builders Limited. He currently lives in the Berkshires, a mountainous region located in north-western Massachusetts, where he also works full-time as a carpenter and builder of customized homes and additions.

Most recently, Xion Roman has written a biography based on his life. The many struggles and difficulties faced by Roman throughout his life are vital to his ability to contribute to the Board of Directors as its newest member.

Before joining The Pathfinder Network, Roman worked as an assistant General Manager for a nonprofit Veterans organization based in Pittsfield, Mass. called Soldier On, which helps homeless veterans with accompanying substance and mental health disorders find stable, sustainable and permanent housing.

Earlier in his young professional career he also became a Group Worker (staff) at the same facility and with the same agency, Department of Youth Services, which housed him in juvenile detention for the majority of his years as a young man. Fortunately, Roman realized the ineffectual influence he was having on the youth involved in the system in that manner and chose a different path to better reach and effectively help the system-involved and system-affected youth of his community.

Like any journey, Roman’s life has not been without its challenges. During his time in service, he experienced a nearly fatal car accident. From regressing to old self-destructive behaviors of his youth to moments of despair and no self-worth, these events helped set into motion integral lessons which helped shape the resilience and growth in his life. Roman would become reinvolved in the criminal “justice” system again. Only this time it would be behind bars as an adult. After over a decade of being continuously involved with the court systems and maneuvering through the many obstacles set in place by that very system, Roman has dedicated his life to assisting and supporting other members of his community to achieve, sustain and grow despite those very challenges.

“Ultimately, I hope to leave an impact on our youth which convinces them that they are not alone, that they are worthy, and that they are truly capable of doing and being not only self-sufficient in life, but whoever and whatever they choose to become, regardless of what stigmas society places on them. Not only can they achieve these goals despite their backgrounds and struggles, but most importantly, they can do so because of them. I dedicate my life to the intentional effort of giving back all of which has been given me, in the hopes that it will contribute to the uplifting and empowerment of our marginalized communities." -Xion Roman