With a background shaped by resilience and a passion for outdoor adventure, I am Joshua Peters, the Founder and Executive Director of Unified Shredders. Born and raised in upstate New York, I navigated a challenging childhood raised by a single mother who worked tirelessly to provide for our family. The challenges of moving schools multiple times by the 10th grade compounded the sense of uncertainty that defined my formative years.
My journey took a pivotal turn when I enlisted in the military, serving two tours in Baghdad. Upon returning, I grappled with the profound effects of combat, embarking on a journey of recovery and self-discovery. The aftermath of my service was a tumultuous period marked by struggles with mental health, addiction, and reintegration into civilian life. It was during this time that I found solace and purpose in the world of snowboarding.
Amidst the turmoil of post-deployment life, I discovered solace in the world of snowboarding. Determined to reclaim control of my life, I pursued education in outdoor recreation and became a certified snowboard instructor. This marked a transformative moment in my life, as I discovered a profound sense of fulfillment in sharing my passion for snow sports with others. Coaching for outreach programs ignited a desire to make a lasting impact in my community beyond the slopes.
Unified Shredders emerged from a deep-seated desire to turn my personal trauma into a force for positive change. Driven by a commitment to shred barriers, empower youth and foster inclusivity in snow sports, I founded Unified Shredders. Our nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing free snowboarding lessons and gear to underserved youth, empowering them to build confidence, resilience, and a sense of belonging.
