We’re going to have our 2nd FaceForward Power Circle this afternoon. This is a chance for anyone who has been a part of the FaceForward community to be together. We’re planning for about 45 minutes.
Reach out to Quita or Kimberly to get the link for the Zoom. Please download the zoom app to a smartphone or computer before the meeting.
From the Fresno area of California to Cambridge, meet Richard Martinez, the newest member of the Next Step Family! ➡️You can read our full interview with Richard in our bio link!
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What excites you most about Next Step’s mentorship programs?
Richard: I am excited because those two programs allow me to wear two different hats. For STRIVE, I’ll be what I refer to as a “mentor’s mentor”, supporting our Program Coordinators at each of our three sites. While for MassSTYLE, I will be a mentor who is engaging with participants directly, providing support and guidance if needed.
Why did you choose a nonprofit career path?
Both my parents were educators – teachers. I could argue that teaching is not really a “for-profit” career, but I don’t think I even have to, really. In many ways, this is a large part of who I am. I want to help people. That’s all that really matters to me.
Do you have a favorite hobby during your free time outside of Next Step?
Richard: Aside from making music, I am really into Tabletop RPG’s. I was raised on a healthy fantasy diet growing up (my dad made sure I had read nearly the entire Tolkien library by the time I was 8) so that impacted a lot of my day-to-day thought and creativity.
So really, I am just an all-around huge nerd, but right before the pandemic I was able to play my first ever session of Dungeons & Dragons, and that was like coming home. It has provided such a beautiful outlet for creativity and has a very active and lively community. I believe everyone should give a tabletop RPG a try – when done right it can be an amazing space for people to open up and express themselves.
What’s a random personal factoid about you?
Richard: In what seems like another life ago, I won a Greco-Roman wrestling national title, and I also hold an honorary black bet in Escrima, the Filipino art of stick-fighting....