My first memory is sitting on the couch in our home in the Dominican Republic as a 1st grader, watching my brother DJ playing The Legend of Zelda on the original Nintendo. Even then, my brother was teaching me how to be a hero. I remember him convincing my mom to let me play the game by arguing that there is a lot of reading in the game. Even though he made fun of me a lot in our childhood, he was always looking out for me and always working hard to have so much fun together.

DJ taught us not to take life too seriously by joking nonstop, dancing, singing, playing music, playing games, and enjoying films, shows, comic books, and stand-up comedy. He always followed his heart and taught us to do the same. I am who I am because of the example my brother set for me.

In 2010, DJ passed away in a car accident as he was on his way to move in with his fiance. I remember being so angry at the person who hit his car. How could she be so careless? I remember how angry my family members were at this time. When I saw their rage, something inside me told me that this was not the way and that I needed to forgive. That was the first time that I practiced radical forgiveness. I learned that forgiveness was for me so that I could continue living with peace in my heart.

Since then, I have done my best to make my brother proud by becoming a music teacher and spreading love, joy, and music everywhere I go. My wife Andrea and I founded the Human Values Collective to train teachers to become emotional health mentors for students. Our participants come from diverse backgrounds and have a desire to support students in finding their value and learning strategies for navigating the difficult challenges of life. To make our training more accessible to these young teachers, we created this scholarship fund in DJ's memory. Teachers can apply for a scholarship to enroll in our trainings and courses, such as the Mentors Program and Being an Unstoppable Teacher.

In 2024 alone, we’ve given nearly $1,000 worth of scholarships toward our mentorship class. Help us sustain HVC and support our community by donating to our scholarship fund or becoming a monthly donor today.

Our goal is to make the world a better place by practicing human values like love, truth, peace, nonviolence, and right action. Our growing community of teachers, parents, students, and mentors have benefitted from our work and are living better, happier lives because of it. We are all now amazing examples of what is possible for our world. I am sure that DJ is proud of what we have done and excited to see how far we can go. Thank you for your generosity and for reading our story. We are sending you love.

Javier Payano

Co-founder & President

Human Values Collective

David Paul (DJ) Martinez II Memorial Scholarship Fund

Team Members