Introducing 2010 Inspire Fellow: Maurice Matthews
Name: Maurice Matthews
Hometown: Harlem, New York
Organization: Year Up
Former Employer: JP Morgan Chase
Hometown: Harlem, New York
Organization: Year Up
Former Employer: JP Morgan Chase
What inspired you to make the switch into the nonprofit sector?
I was looking for a change of environment. I’ve always had a passion for working with students in the social sector. Coming from an urban environment and working for Harlem Children’s Zone lit a fire underneath me to devote more time and energy into delving into the issues plaguing the urban communities.
What is your current position, and a typical day like?
Every day is so vastly different. But if I had to describe it, it would involve me checking emails from the previous day. I check my calendar to get a sense of how my day will be shaped. In the morning, I will have one or two meetings with various department heads to discuss finance needs for their respective areas. Around lunch time we have a staff meeting that’s centered on issues dealing with our learning communities. After the meeting, I’ll sit with my advisees for about 30-45 minutes to discuss their week and any issues that may have arisen. Around two I’ll probably do work associated with my functional capacity. Whether that’s working on my sites budget, meeting with an architect to work on building out our current office or hosting a conference call with senior leadership to discuss programs that are funded by social investment organizations. I’ll end my day between 6 and 7pm take my laptop home and continue to wrap up small odds and ends in preparation for the next day.
What is your professional background and areas of expertise?
My background is within Investment Management on both the institutional and private wealth side. My areas of expertise are managing client relationships and investing client assets.
My background is within Investment Management on both the institutional and private wealth side. My areas of expertise are managing client relationships and investing client assets.
What are you involved in outside of work?
I am involved in Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the North Arlington Mixed Martial Arts Center.
I am involved in Omega Psi Phi fraternity and the North Arlington Mixed Martial Arts Center.
Tell us about your past leadership experiences and how they are helping you in your current role?
Serving within the Army I served in various capacities leading troops. That experience has prepared in the sense that I have learned how to mobilize and lead through my actions.
Serving within the Army I served in various capacities leading troops. That experience has prepared in the sense that I have learned how to mobilize and lead through my actions.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy has reported that 82% of nonprofit CEOs are white. What does this mean to you and other people of color who aspire to leadership roles in the future?
I don’t see this as an issue. There is a quote where I’m from that states,” real recognizes real”. So if the communities you are serving believe that you are not genuine, it will come out in some shape, manner or form. A more pressing factor is whether you can establish that connection to those you chose to serve. That goes across race and gender.
I don’t see this as an issue. There is a quote where I’m from that states,” real recognizes real”. So if the communities you are serving believe that you are not genuine, it will come out in some shape, manner or form. A more pressing factor is whether you can establish that connection to those you chose to serve. That goes across race and gender.
If Hollywood made a movie about your life, who would you like to see play the lead role?
I would want Denzel Washington to play my lead. The ladies love him and he is a great actor.
I would want Denzel Washington to play my lead. The ladies love him and he is a great actor.
Where else have you lived?
I have lived in New York City, Savannah, Ga, Tallahassee, Fl, Columbus, Ga and Baghdad, Iraq.
I have lived in New York City, Savannah, Ga, Tallahassee, Fl, Columbus, Ga and Baghdad, Iraq.