This post is part of a 10 part blog series to celebrate ACE’s 5th birthday. We’ll be asking ACE staff members to answer 5 questions about their time with the organization, including their favorite stories and some surprise facts about themselves. We’ll profile a different staff member each day! 

ACE Staff Member: Vernard Williams

Position: Associate Program Director, Mid & Southwest Regions

A: [Cy] Maramangalam! He’d let me talk the entire time until we’re rescued!

A: A failed handshake in front of 700 teens. A student in a Brooklyn school walked in front of me during the middle of my presentation. I improvised by extending my hand to him, but to the delight of 700 hysterically laughing young people, the student left me hanging! I’m a big boy, so I recovered. In fact, that same student cut in front of me 30 mins later and shook my hand, acknowledging to me and the audience that the ACE presentation was worthy of his respect.

A: Watching a failing student evolve into the first high school graduate in his family and become a leader in his school district because of ACE.

A: Working with teammates who believe we can make a difference and motivating young people to believe in their power.

A: I’m a big time introvert!

Thanks, Vernard! Tomorrow: We introduce Cy Maramangalam (Vernard’s desert island pick!), and hear what he has to say about his time at ACE.