My Nonprofit Reviews

For over twenty years I've worked in urban schools as an educator, researcher, and advocate. My academic work has been with the literacy of relocated refugee youth in an out of American schools but, as the Director of a Connecticut Writing Project site (part of the highly celebrated National Writing Project network), I've also spent a large part of my time leading professional development for educational leaders. I pride myself on having opportunities to work with passionate individuals and organizations -- the ones who put youth before inane educational policies. They are the people who fight for student empowerment over the oppressive curriculum that often fails to recognize diversity in American schools.

It was serendipitous to meet Daniel Trust and his foundation this past year. A mutual friend of ours - a stellar teacher who mentored Daniel when he was in high school and college - introduced me to his story and work. Because I've mentored and advised relocated refugees from Somalia, Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Congo, Liberia, Rwanda, Vietnam, and Bhutan, I have always been drawn to those stories that demonstrate resilience and hope.

Last spring, Fairfield University (Jesuit University Humanitarian Network) and I brought Daniel Trust to visit the campus. He provided an evening of advocacy and impacted all in attendance. As a result, I also asked Daniel to tell his story during a summer institute for teachers. I wanted them to benefit from his modeling of how he acts locally with global realities on his mind. In both forums, Daniel's presentation was personal, emotional, intimate, and promising. He has a natural way to move his audiences into action.

Daniel Trust is a mover and a shaker. Last year, he offered multiple scholarships to young people who fight to make a difference in their world. One of my students, a young Pakistani woman in a dual enrollment program between Trust's alma mater and Fairfield University, was a recipient of a cash award. I attended the Trust Scholarship dinner and knew he was an individual to support. The pride imbued upon his scholarship recipients is one of the greatest highlights of my four-year Connecticut experience.

Daniel Trust is dedicated to young people who deserve an amazing opportunity. He stands behind youth and uses his own story to help them build their own. He is a friend to education and an activist for the heterogeneity of American society. His foundation is definitely worth being named one of the nation's BEST non-profits.