July 2024 Student Spotlight

This month we spotlight Executive MPA student and Founder and Chief Executive Officer at 914United, Jonathan Alvarez. He tells us about his work at 914United, what inspired him to become a social entrepreneur, his interest in the EMPA program, and his experience thus far at the Marxe School.

What has inspired you to become a social entrepreneur?
My inspiration arises from a deep-seated commitment to address the gaps in youth development and reentry services within Westchester County. This commitment is deeply rooted in my personal journey as a formerly gang-involved youth and incarcerated individual who spent thirteen years in prison, from the ages of 17 to 30. Following my release, I encountered significant challenges while balancing full-time schooling at Parsons and working two jobs, leading to a pivotal mental health breakdown. Fortunately, I had a supportive network that helped me navigate this difficult period.

Recognizing that many individuals reentering society lack such vital support and often regress into negative patterns leading to recidivism, I took action. I founded the You’re Not Alone Brotherhood, a male support group, and became involved with the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance in Yonkers, New York, mentoring at-risk youth. Through speaking engagements at seven public schools, I realized the scarcity of leaders with backgrounds like mine in the realm of youth development.

Motivated by this realization, I decided to channel my energy into launching a nonprofit aimed at supporting justice-impacted and gang-affected youth, along with their families. This endeavor is fueled by a vision shaped by my own lived experiences, driving me to address this pressing social need head-on. Moreover, I came to understand that my lived experience held immense value, serving as my greatest currency. Its exchange-rate afforded both myself and others invaluable opportunities for growth and advancement.

Can you talk a bit about the work that you do at your nonprofit corporation, 914United, and how it helps people coming back after incarceration? Any challenges that have occurred over the years?
914United is dedicated to exposing, educating, and empowering justice-impacted and gang-affected youth and their families. Central to our approach is the Credible Messenger Model, led by professionals from diverse educational backgrounds who have personally navigated systemic challenges, including the criminal legal system. Drawing on their lived experiences, these mentors’ effect transformative change within individuals, communities, and systems.

Our programs encompass a range of workshops, including career readiness, digital training, financial literacy, life coaching, and community building circles. These initiatives are complemented by access to a comprehensive network of services, resources, and opportunities. Our efforts are divided into two key areas: Prevention and Transformation. We strive to prevent youth from entering gangs and becoming involved in the criminal justice system, while also working to shift the mindsets of those already entangled in these systems.

Our goal is not only to extricate individuals from harmful cycles but also to equip them with the tools and resources needed to lead productive and successful lives.

What got you interested in Marxe School’s Executive MPA program? How has your experience been thus far? Any favorite classes or professors?
I enrolled in the Marxe School’s Executive MPA program to further enrich my c-suite expertise for the benefit of 914United. Recognizing the importance of continual growth, my leadership philosophy is rooted in a commitment to lifelong learning. While I had gained practical experience in building 914United, I acknowledged a gap in theoretical understanding that this program could fill.

My intention in joining the program was clear: to approach it with the mindset of a dedicated student, eager to absorb knowledge that I could then apply to the growth and development of my organization. In addition to finding a supportive cohort, I’ve found immense value in the lessons learned throughout the three semesters. Concepts such as logic models, quantitative analysis, budget projection, and key structural development have directly contributed to my evolution as a Leader Servant within 914United.