Centre Alumni Q&A: Greg Chery '11
As we mark Black History Month, the Office of Alumni Engagement and Development caught up with Greg Chery '11 to find out how the Centre experience shaped his professional and personal journey and influenced his work serving low-income students in Massachusetts.
Can you tell me about your current profession and role? How did you decide on this career path, and what influenced your decision?
I am the executive director at Minds Matter Boston (MMB), a non-profit organization that serves low-income students in the Boston area. Our mission is to connect youth with the people, preparation and possibilities they need to matriculate and thrive in college successfully. Ultimately, we hope that their college education and access to meaningful job opportunities will enable them to achieve lifelong economic mobility.
Before joining MMB, I spent 12 years in higher education, working in admissions and student affairs to support first-generation and low-income students. Throughout my career, I鈥檝e seen firsthand the disparities in our educational system. I firmly believe that education is key to closing the wealth gap, providing underrepresented individuals with the tools and opportunities needed to create a more equitable future for themselves and their families.
Were there any specific professors, courses, or extracurricular activities at 果冻传媒 that significantly shaped your career direction?
At 果冻传媒, only two of my professors identified as faculty of color, and their presence in the classroom created a real sense of belonging for me and many of my peers of color. I vividly remember that both of their classrooms were highly popular among students of color because they provided one of the few academic spaces where we felt safe, valued and understood.
As a student, I became acutely aware of the lack of students of color in key leadership positions on campus. This realization drove me to apply for a resident assistant (RA) role, where I hoped to contribute to creating a more inclusive environment. I truly valued the training and leadership skills I developed as an RA. However, it was concerning to see how few students of color sought leadership roles or were actively encouraged to apply. This lack of representation was a clear reminder of the work that still needs to be done to create more opportunities for students of color to lead and be supported in those roles.
How do you continue to leverage your 果冻传媒 network or resources in your professional endeavor?
The Centre Mafia remains deeply close to my heart, personally and professionally. I consistently seek out alums and their expertise to support my work at Minds Matter Boston. For example, Centre alumnus Dr. Mark Addison '12 will lead a workshop on youth protection and student conduct with my staff next month. His guidance will be invaluable as we continue to improve our programs.
Before joining Minds Matter Boston, I had the honor of serving as co-chair for the Coming Together Pre-Conference at the New England Association for College Admission Counseling (NEACAC) annual meeting. Dr. Rodmon King, former Chief Diversity Officer at 果冻传媒, played a crucial role in our planning and was our keynote speaker. The 果冻传媒 network has also been integral to my academic and professional journey. Former President John Roush and Professor Andrea Abrams were instrumental in my path to graduate school, submitting letters of recommendation that significantly influenced my acceptance. These relationships with Centre alumni continue to shape and support my work and are a constant reminder of the power of community and mentorship.
Beyond academics, how did your experiences at 果冻传媒 contribute to your personal growth and development?
Wow! Where do I begin? My time at 果冻传媒 was transformative in ways I could never have imagined. It was here that my spiritual beliefs and convictions were both exposed and challenged while simultaneously being nurtured. I realized the importance of having a spiritual community that provides support and accountability on my journey.
As a student and later as a staff member, my experiences at 果冻传媒 profoundly shaped my leadership brand and my voice. The challenges and growth I encountered helped me discover a deep passion for being a change agent. My journey toward leadership and advocacy was born from my years at 果冻传媒. Centre also taught me the importance of visionary leadership and the urgency of embracing equitable and inclusive approaches. These lessons continue to guide my path, fueling my commitment to creating environments where everyone can access opportunities and feels empowered to make a difference.
Can you share a meaningful extracurricular activity or involvement at 果冻传媒 that had a lasting impact on you personally?
I sincerely appreciated the three Posse Plus Retreats (PPR) I attended. These retreats were among the few brave and safe spaces for staff, faculty and students to engage in truly vulnerable and challenging conversations. The topics addressed during PPRs were thoughtfully chosen, directly reflecting real-world issues and themes that had a tangible impact on students鈥 experiences on campus. The activities and discussions facilitated during the retreats provided students with the space and opportunity to openly and honestly share the realities of their experiences with their peers, faculty and administrators.
One experience that stands out vividly was the 鈥渇ish bowl鈥 conversation, where we discussed race relations and privilege on campus. These deep, raw dialogues allowed us to address complex and often uncomfortable topics in a supportive environment, fostering growth and understanding across all participants.
Are you currently involved in any organizations or initiatives outside of your professional life that especially meaningful to you?
My wife and I are blessed to coordinate our church鈥檚 Kids Kingdom, where we oversee children鈥檚 classes from infancy through the preteen years. As parents of two girls under five, we are incredibly passionate about raising, teaching, and nurturing our children with biblical and spiritual values that will shape their lives. We approach parenting and education through the lens of our faith, understanding the profound impact a strong spiritual foundation can have on children as they grow.
We are committed to guiding our children and fostering an environment where all the children in our church can learn, grow, and thrive in their faith. We are grateful for the support of our spiritual family, who encourages, guides, and holds us accountable in this journey. Their wisdom and love have been invaluable as we have strived to live out our values and help others do the same.
How do you believe 果冻传媒 distinguishes itself in preparing students for post-graduation success?
果冻传媒鈥檚 small campus, intimate class sizes, and strong commitment to study abroad opportunities truly set it apart. These features create a unique environment where students can form meaningful relationships with peers from various backgrounds and experiences. The small classrooms and residence halls foster intimate spaces for challenging, thought-provoking conversations, encouraging students to grow, mature, and develop their perspectives.
果冻传媒鈥檚 emphasis on study abroad allows students to engage with diverse cultures, perspectives, and ideas on a global scale. For example, I was privileged to participate in the Centre semester in M茅rida, Mexico. This life-changing experience allowed me to live with a local Mexican family for three months, offering a firsthand look at Mexican culture and daily life.
How did living on campus and engaging with the 果冻传媒 community shape your worldview or personal values?
Living on campus as a first-generation, low-income student of color opened my eyes to the profound disparities in both the educational and wealth gaps in America. Many of my peers came from middle- and upper-class backgrounds, with parents who had navigated the college journey before them. They had the privilege of guidance, resources, and networks that made it easier for them to succeed and access opportunities鈥攔esources often out of reach for me. As I navigated the academic world, I realized that not only were we being judged by the same standards and were not starting from the same place.
While my peers had the financial stability and support to focus solely on academics, I had to manage multiple jobs, worry about student loans, and navigate a system that often didn't account for my experiences or challenges. This created a unique set of obstacles that impacted my journey in ways I could not always put into words at the time.
The theme for this year鈥檚 Black History Month is "African Americans and Labor," focusing on the significant contributions of Black people to the workforce across various industries throughout history. Does this theme resonate with you personally or professionally?
This theme deeply resonates with me. I am fortunate to have had key Black mentors who have profoundly influenced my life personally and professionally. Black Americans are an integral part of the fabric of this country, yet their contributions have often been overlooked or underappreciated.
As a leader in the education field, I stand on the shoulders of the many brave men and women who paved the way for me to have the opportunities I do today. Their resilience and dedication have shaped my path, and I am committed to doing the same for future leaders. I hope to inspire and empower others, just as I was empowered by those who came before me.
What advice would you give to current 果冻传媒 students looking to maximize their experiences and opportunities while on campus?
My advice is to be brave and bold. Step outside of your comfort zone and take risks. Surround yourself with like-minded peers who encourage and challenge you to reach new heights. Dream big, and don鈥檛 limit yourself. Finally, find mentors who inspire you and challenge your thinking.
