LearnServe is very pleased to welcome Ricardo Neal as the newly appointed Chair of the Board of Directors. Catherine Tinsley, Board Chair from 2010 – 2018, will remain active on the Board and in the LearnServe community. Ricardo is the Director of Strategy and Innovation at The Literacy Lab and has over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and governance, as well as public education. Before joining The Literacy Lab, Ricardo was a leader in developing mentoring programs for young men of color at Eastern Senior High School, and he left his role in the summer of 2017 to train and recruit young men of color to teach in early childhood education. He has served on the LearnServe Board of Directors since 2013. We interviewed Ricardo about what inspired him to get involved with LearnServe, and what he has learned along the way.
Tell us a bit about yourself. What would you like to share with the LearnServe community as you step into your new leadership role as Board Chair?
I identify as an immigrant from Jamaica. I came to the United States in 1984 when I was eleven years old. My experience as a black man and as an immigrant in the US informs just about all aspects of my life.
I come from a family of 10, including my parents and seven siblings. I was raised in Lawrence, Massachusetts, an old industrial city comprised primarily of Latino immigrants. I love my home. I completed my formal education in Massachusetts from middle school through graduate school.
An interesting fact about me? My mother inspires me. She started a basic school (pre-K) in Jamaica. I think my passion as an education advocate comes from that experience. I have worked in public health, public education, and supported community-centered practice in public safety. I am a father and a husband.
What inspired you to get involved with LearnServe?
I know that I have power and privilege based on the simple fact that I am well-educated. My career as a social worker exposed me to inequities and disparities in poor communities and communities of color. LearnServe’s commitment to unlocking the power of young people and engaging them locally and globally convinced me that an alternate path existed for young people who lacked access. I wanted my community to benefit.
I grew up in and have worked in very diverse communities, and I think those experiences have made me a better human being. I learned to respect others. I was and remain convinced that the students with whom I work, can excel if they are afforded the opportunity. I also think by virtue of participating in LearnServe programs, they discover their talents, and that they can dream big and not be afraid to vigorously pursue those dreams.
In the coming year, I am most looking forward to working with our donor community to increase our financial support for the community of young people working to create lasting change through LearnServe.
What are the most important lessons you’ve learned with LearnServe so far?
- Support and educate young people, and they will thrive.
- Include young people in decision-making.
- There is a group of dedicated volunteers that make so much of what we do possible. It is important to thank them as often as possible.
- Be persistent.
What advice would you give young changemakers?
Imagine all of the possibilities. Build relationships across generations, cultures, socio-economic status, gender, etc. The diversity of viewpoints will enrich and inform that which you try to change. Think deeply about sustainable change as well. The pursuit of immediate gratification can prevent transformation.