Our Team & Sponsors
Ron Waddell, Jr.
Executive Director, Co-Founder
Ron is a certified transformational life coach through the Association for Christian Character Development, a certified Gang Specialist through The National Gang Crime and Research Center and a Certified Youth Mental Health Specialist.
He is a Certified Recovery Coach and holds a certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Boston University. He has completed and co-facilitated multiple re-entry training inside MA Houses of Corrections. He is present at a number of community and state events and speaks passionately and eloquently about issues affecting marginalized communities.
Ronald has experienced many of the issues that affect the targeted youth participants of the Legacy Builders program, and uses this experience to better relate to marginalized youth throughout the City of Worcester.
Team Members
We build community at Legendary Legacies rooted in trust, accountability, and real growth. The people here weren’t just chosen for their resumes; they’re here because they’ve lived it, walked through the fire, and committed themselves to being the kind of mentor they once needed. If you’re stepping into this space, know that you’re surrounded by people who see your potential, won’t let you quit on yourself, and will push you toward something more significant. We don’t just talk about change; we live it together.
Gabriel Rodriguez
Program Director
Miguel Reyes
Life Coaching Coordinator
Yetziann Ortiz
Operations Director
Edgardo Pizarro
Workforce Development Foreman
Chris Todd
Workforce Development Coordinator
Jesus Pizarro
Restorative Justice Coordinator
Devin McCluskey
Darrell Williams
Board of Directors
You may not see them every day, but Legendary Legacies wouldn’t stand without them. Like a skeleton, our Board of Directors provides the structure, strength, and support that keep this organization moving forward. They are passionate leaders committed to social change for good visionaries who believe in the power of transformation and work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. Their guidance ensures we remain strong, sustainable, and focused on the mission. We are grateful for their dedication, wisdom, and unwavering belief in building a better future.
Robert Jones, Chair
Chief Empowerment Officer at T. Lee Associates
Rose Wine, Clerk
Marketing & Development Coordinator for African Community Education (ACE), Freelance Photographer
Ryan Wilkie, Treasurer
Actuarial Informatics and Medical Economics Data Science Analyst III
Sarlah Bernard, Officer
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-BC
David Asare, Officer
Outside Sales Engineer – Blue Mountain Sales
Jamie Bennett, Officer
Attorney in Charge, Youth Advocacy Division
Ryan Eckerson, Esq., Officer
Staff Attorney at Way Finders
Our Funders
At Legendary Legacies, our work is made possible through the generous support of our dedicated funders. Their investments help us create transformative opportunities for individuals impacted by systemic barriers, empowering them to build brighter futures. We are deeply grateful for their commitment to our mission and their belief in the power of community-driven change.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBS)
Esler Family Foundation
Fuller Foundation
Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF)
Health Resources in Action (HRIA)
Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH)
Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (MA EOPSS)
New Commonwealth Fund (NCF)
New Profit
Reliant Foundation
Rockland Trust Charitable foundation
Safe and Successful Youth Initiative (SSYI)
Shannon Grant
UMASS Memorial Health
UniBank
United Way of Central MA
Webster Five
Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB)
Community Partners
Collaboration is at the heart of everything we do. Our community partners are vital in expanding our reach and impact, working alongside us to support individuals and strengthen neighborhoods. Together, we create pathways for growth, healing, and success, fostering a network of support that transforms lives.
CLARK University
City of Worcester Department of Youth Opportunities
Louis D. Brown Foundation
Straight Ahead Ministries
Worcester Community Action Council
Worcester County Food Bank
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Worcester Police Department
Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)
Worcester Public Schools