New Yorkers disrupting the status quo and driving transformative change
I am honored to be recognized by City & State’s 2023 Above & Beyond: Innovators as one of those New Yorkers disrupting the status quo and driving transformative change.
Reflecting on my journey from Seizing Every Opportunity to the helm of The Eagle Academy Foundation, it’s clear that innovation has been my compass, my north star. I’ve always aimed to disrupt what we know as normal, not for applause, awards, or recognition, but to make a meaningful impact, particularly for those coming from backgrounds similar to mine.
Echoing Common’s lines from ‘The 6th Sense’, “I just want to innovate and stimulate minds, travel the world and penetrate the times” – my journey has been aligned to that.
What matters most is the lasting change we create, the norms we challenge, the opportunities we foster for our young people. This recognition is a testament to those ideals, a testament to our collective efforts.
Congratulations to all of the honorees who lam humbled to stand beside. May we continue to disrupt, innovate, and drive transformative impact in our communities.
Donald M. Ruff, Jr.
