For over 30 years, Right Moves For Youth has been intentional about serving and providing quality programming to as many students in Charlotte, as possible. That has allowed us to engage and support students from all sorts of different backgrounds, ages, races, and nationalities. So, to honor the diversity of our students, from September 15 – October 15, we will be spotlighting RMFY alumni and students from various Hispanic backgrounds for Hispanic Heritage Month. First up:

Meet Linda.

“My name is Linda De Leon, I am a senior at North Carolina State University, majoring in Animal Science and minoring in Zoology. My plan after graduation is to volunteer in animal rescue centers in third-world countries with the hope of ultimately opening my own non-profit animal rescue center in Guatemala. I am currently a part of Latinas Promoviendo Comunidad/ Lambda Pi Chi Sorority Inc. and Students for Immigrants Rights and Equalities (SIRE) at NC State. Right Moves for Youth had a big impact on my life during high school. They provided great opportunities and resources to help me figure out my plans after high school and helped me prepare for my future. Being a part of Right Moves meant learning some of my strengths, weaknesses, and capabilities. I had amazing mentors who challenged me, listened to me, and guided me into becoming a great leader. I am very thankful for the experience and for everyone I met on the way.”

Current RMFY Community Engagement Director, Ryan Grammatico was one of those mentors who impacted Linda. He recalls his first memories of Linda and what he saw in her as her Program mentor:

“When I first met Linda, she was a shy and quiet young person who already had so much respect from her friends and peers. She had a quiet something special about her, that I quickly realized was leadership. Through our creative group activities, I immediately began to move her out of her comfort zone and helped her see herself how everyone else saw her. What I loved the most about Linda was that she was so intent on being the best version of herself. I am honored to have played a role in her journey.”

Linda is one of the many students, who day in and day out, benefits from the life skills, college/career readiness, social emotional support, and social capital development that Right Moves For Youth provides. We encourage you to come alongside us and partner in this amazing and rewarding work.