Founder-CEO-President

cwoodruff@acceler8education.org

Charles began his journey in Oxnard, CA, where he joined the Oxnard Police Department in 1993 as a reserve officer and became a full-time officer in 1996. Over his career, he excelled in diverse roles, including SWAT, motor officer, gang and narcotics detective, and sergeant. After nearly three decades of dedicated service, Charles retired in 2022.

Beyond law enforcement, Charles passionately committed to youth mentorship. In 2008, he co-founded an innovative automotive after-school program in Oxnard, connecting law enforcement with the automotive industry. The program mentored over 500 young men and women, helping many secure careers ranging from working at BMW's test-driving school in Indio to positions at local dealerships and automotive shops.

Charles also contributed to several Ford Motor Company SEMA builds and collaborated with Vaughn Gittin Jr. on the first RTR Police Mustang. These successes inspired him and his wife, Yvonne Negrete—a Navy and Law Enforcement veteran—to expand their vision into the LA communities.

Acceler8 and Beyond

In partnership with Co-founder Victor Carrillo, Charles launched the "Acceler8" Youth Automotive Program, fostering connections with LAPD, community organizations, and Formula Drift. This partnership evolved into the "Driven Experience," a program empowering youth through enhanced education and leadership development under the mission: “Teach the skills of today, to build the leaders of tomorrow.”

Charles continues to expand his impact on the automotive industry as a member of the SEMA Emerging Trends and Technology Network (ETTN) committee, leveraging 15 years of nonprofit experience to bridge the gap between youth and the automotive sector.

Founder-CMO-Board Member

A native Angeleno, Victor is a first generation Mexican American that grew up surrounded by LA's vibrant culture which included art, music and cars. It was here that he developed a passion for music and cars that would lead him to a career in marketing. It began with his own tuning shop in North Hollywood, where he and his team built lowriders, which appeared in ‘90s rap videos. He then worked for the premier importer of European automotive tuning wheels and accessories. It was here, at CEC, where his marketing career developed through global advertising campaigns and events to promote legendary brands such as Brabus for Mercedes-Benz, TechArt for Porsche and Antera wheels from Italy. After a few successful years he left to establish his own marketing and communications agency – The ID Agency. The ID Agency has grown from a two-person shop in 2004 to work with some of the leading global automotive and lifestyle brands, including Chevrolet, Pirelli, Hot Wheels, AUDI, Kawasaki, PUMA, Coca-Cola and Xbox. During the past 15 years, Victor and his team have worked in every discipline of motorsports, such as Formula 1, IndyCar, NASCAR, MotoGP, as well as traditional sports including the Los Angeles Dodgers. Victor has appeared on camera and consulted for TV and Film productions including MTV, ESPN, E! Entertainment, KTLA, FOX 11 and the Fast and the Furious. During his career he has worked with leaders of industry and culture including Mister Cartoon, Max Cooper of Gumball 3000, Formula 1 drivers Daniel Ricciardo & Lewis Hamilton, NASCAR drivers Kyle Bush & Dale Earnhardt Jr, actors Denzel Washington & Slyvester Stallone, musicians Pink and Travis Barker, and internet superstars Ken Block & Tanner Fox to name a few. Victor is also a board member for the Boyle Heights Arts Conservatory, a East Los Angeles based non-profit helping youth find careers in the arts and entertainment industries. Victor currently resides in West Covina, CA with his wife and three young children.

Executive Director/Board member