Identity is so important to individuality and leadership. We are all constantly evolving. As many of you know, it is not so important how others define you, as it is for you to define yourself. In Part I of this series, Ramona talks to Joel Alvarado about the evolution of his personal identity. Joel discusses how his life experiences as a Puerto Rican growing up New York in a multi-national and multi-cultural community, visiting his Afro-Latino family members in Puerto Rico, attending Morehouse College—a Historically Black College and University in the South, and studying race and class has shaped his identity and approach to leadership.

Joel is Vice President of Strategy and Engagement at the Partnership for Southern Equity and currently lives in Atlanta, Georgia.