Meet the Founder

Tyler Dotts

Tyler Dotts is a lifelong community advocate, mentor, and the Founder of Connecting the Dotts Youth and Family Foundation. Raised in the Long Beach, Compton, Lynwood, Watts, and Lakewood areas of Los Angeles County, Tyler’s passion for service was shaped by the very communities he now works to uplift. A proud graduate of Lakewood High School, Tyler played football his entire life — a journey that instilled discipline, teamwork, resilience, and leadership. He went on to play college football at MidAmerica Nazarene University and later attended California State University, Dominguez Hills. Through athletics, Tyler developed a deep understanding of accountability, structure, perseverance, and the importance of mentorship — values that now guide his leadership and commitment to youth development.

Tyler’s dedication to service began in childhood while assisting his cousin with the Stentorians of Los Angeles which is the Association of African Americans at the County of Los Angeles Fire Department annual toy drive. Year after year, he witnessed firsthand the power of community members coming together to support families in need. That early exposure planted the foundation for what would become a lifelong mission to serve and strengthen his community.

As he grew older, Tyler deepened his involvement through his work with the Twofr Community-Based Organization, where he supported youth initiatives, outreach efforts, and family-centered programs. Through hands-on experience, he recognized a powerful truth: meaningful change happens when people, resources, and opportunities are intentionally connected.

That vision became the foundation for Connecting the Dotts Youth and Family Foundation.

Tyler believes in “Connecting the Dotts” — bringing people together, aligning resources with real needs, creating mentorship pathways, and forming partnerships that create lasting impact. He connects youth with guidance, families with support systems, and communities with opportunity. By putting the right people and the right tools in the same space, he helps turn potential into progress and purpose into action.

Through leadership, collaboration, and authentic engagement, Tyler remains committed to building bridges and creating sustainable change for the next generation across Los Angeles County. His mission is not just to provide temporary support, but to build systems and opportunities that create generational transformation.

“There are two ways to give back — one that helps for today, and one that impacts tomorrow. I’m committed to the kind of impact that changes lives long after we’re gone.”
— Tyler Dotts