Connor Mendoza
Tacoma’s Superman
Behind the cape is a devoted father, survivor and community advocate whose mission is simple yet powerful:
To spread hope, happiness and kindness wherever he goes.
Beyond the Cape: Connor’s Story
If you’ve spent any time in downtown Tacoma, there’s a good chance you’ve met Connor.
He’s the young man in the Superman cape who smiles for photos, waves to children, and reminds complete strangers that kindness still exists. Whether he’s walking through Wright Park, attending a community event, or simply sharing a friendly conversation, Connor has made it his personal mission to spread hope and happiness wherever he goes.
What many people don’t realize is that behind the cape is an extraordinary story of courage.
In October 2024, Connor was critically injured while trying to protect others during a shooting. He survived two gunshot wounds that left him with lasting nerve damage, chronic pain, and ongoing physical limitations. His recovery has been long, and while he continues to make progress, life looks very different than it once did.
Instead of allowing that tragedy to define him, Connor chose another path.
Since his childhood, Superman has represented hope, courage, and doing what’s right. Today, Connor wears the cape not because he believes he’s a superhero, but because he wants to remind people that kindness still matters. His greatest joy comes from making someone smile, encouraging a child, or brightening the day of a stranger who may need it most.
He’s also a devoted father of two young children, a volunteer at heart, and someone who has always looked for ways to serve his community. Long before he wore the cape, he was volunteering with organizations like St. Leo’s Food Bank and advocating for young people experiencing homelessness.
Today, Connor continues to heal physically and emotionally while working toward building a future around the mission that has become such a meaningful part of his life: spreading hope and happiness throughout Tacoma and beyond.
Your donation will help ease the financial burden of his continued recovery, support everyday living expenses, and allow him to keep sharing encouragement with the community he loves.
Whether you choose to donate, share this page, or simply offer Connor a smile when you see him around town, thank you for being part of his journey.
Together, we can help ensure that hope continues to walk the streets of Tacoma, one smile at a time.