Ian Genao was a Youth Leader at Central Park East High School ten years ago, where he helped his classmates navigate the college process. Today, he works at Bloomberg, managing accounts for some of the world’s top hedge funds, and he continues to give back.
At this year’s Right to College End-of-Year Celebration, Ian returned as keynote speaker to congratulate over 100 Youth Leaders for completing the academic year and to officially welcome them into CARA’s youth leader/peer leader alumni network, now more than 1,300 strong.
In his remarks, Ian reflected on how supporting his peers through college applications and financial aid laid the foundation for his own leadership journey, from earning a full-tuition Posse Foundation scholarship to Dickinson College, to advising global clients in his current role. From classrooms to corporate boardrooms, Ian says he’s carried the leadership and communications skills he learned at CARA with him.
“CARA taught me how to lead with purpose, how to stay grounded in service, and how to use my voice in spaces where it hadn’t always been heard.”
Ian emphasized that being a Youth Leader “isn’t just a high school or college experience”, it’s the start of a lifelong network. He invited this year’s cohort to stay connected to CARA’s growing community of alumni so that they can have access to connection and opportunity..
He closed with a message about recognizing their power, not just in what they’ve accomplished, but in who they’re becoming.
“You’ve stepped into a role that many people twice your age never have. And that power doesn’t stop tonight. It continues with every connection you make, every space you enter, and every story you choose to tell.”