Each week, #SpanningtheNeed will present an “Inspirational Person of the Week’ and have a “Q & A” with one of its many gifted individuals and/or groups who are willing to go out of their own way to help others. This week’s featured is Christopher Colon from Thrive Mahoning Valley/Ohio Environment Council.
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Name: Christopher L. Colón, MPH, LSW
Position: Executive Director / NE Ohio Regional Director
Organization: Thrive Mahoning Valley / Ohio Environmental Council
Bio:
Hailing from Youngstown, Ohio, with cultural roots traced back to the Taíno people of Puerto Rico and immigrants from the English & Scandinavian countrysides, Chris has always thrived to connect people and places. For over 17 years, he worked as a social worker, counselor, and business development professional in the healthcare industry of the Mahoning Valley. After seeing the devastating effects of the 2017 hurricanes in Puerto Rico and personally helping families relocate to the Mahoning Valley, he devoted himself to welcoming newcomers. In addition to his current role as Co-Founding Director here at ThriveMV, Chris is a certified volunteer naturalist and the Northeast Ohio Regional Director of the Ohio Environmental Council & OEC Action Fund. He sits on the Boards of Directors for Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services and the Development Committee of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. He is also a proud husband and father of two boys with one more boy on the way in 2025. For self-care, he enjoys tinkering with recipes, exploring parks and green spaces, and being a tried and true member of Raider Nation…
What made you want to go into this field?
I am a social worker through and through. My journey began at YSU with the help of some wonderful professors like Lee Slinvinske. I developed a passion for speaking out against the injustices I saw on campus. After graduation, I went into healthcare to advocate for the disabled, having a father with cerebral palsy. After raising my son as a single father for over 14 years, I decided it was time to get back to serving my community. I started Thrive alongside my friend and fellow Wean Foundation Emerging Leader, Justin Mondok, after personally helping families devastated by the 2017 hurricanes in Puerto Rico. I later joined OEC in 2021 after seeing the healing effects that being in nature had on me during the pandemic. In my current roles, the social worker remains, steadfast in fighting the injustices of our society.
What’s the biggest factor that has helped you be successful?
The biggest factor in my success has been the mentorship along the way. People like Fr. Ed Noga and Shelly Semko. Organizations like the Raymond John Wean Foundation and the Healthy Community Partnership. Friends like Sarah Lowry and Vicki Vicars. And now a loving wife named Jessica Lev. Each and every one, plus so many more, have led me here.
What is the biggest professional mistake you made along the way?
I would say my biggest professional mistake has been accepting a position at a company that I did not apply for just to get in the door. I took a labor position with a large nonprofit after applying for a social work leadership position. It stalled my personal growth and career momentum.
What is the hardest decision you ever had to make in this field?
The hardest decision I had to make was forgoing my pay to ensure my team was paid. Until 2025, I have never had a salary at Thrive Mahoning Valley. I have grown the organization alongside a team that has dedicated their lives to serving those in need. Recognizing that, I will be the last piece of that team to be given any salary.
If you could start all over again, what would you do differently regarding your profession?
I would have found a way to continue serving my community while also raising my son right out of college. I missed nearly 14 years of service. While I do not regret a single moment of it, I often wonder what more I could have done in my most active 20s and 30s.
What inspires you to do good in our community?
My biggest inspiration is my abuela, or grandmother. Maria Rodriguez grew up extremely poor on the island of Puerto Rico. Through her tenacity and will to succeed, she made in to the mainland and raised her children in Ohio. She worked at Assumption Nursing Home as a cook until retirement and continues to take care of her family through love and empathy, and the community through her food and charm. She is the matriarch of a diversely rooted family.
What do you enjoy most about volunteering in our community?
I live seeing the impact. Seeing people become successful and overcome the barriers is rewarding to me.
What song best describes you or is the soundtrack to your life?
I have often thought about songs that describe me and my life so I am happy this question is on here. Two songs have always stuck with me.
1 – With My Own Two Hands by Ben HarperThis is a song about creating change and making the world a better place. It reflects my commitment to social and environmental justice.
2 – A Change is GOnna Come by Sam Cooke
Beside Sam being my all time favorite artist, this song resonates because it connects deeply with my vision for a just, equitable community in Youngstown and beyond.
What is your best accomplishment/experience in life?
My best accomplishment is easily being a father. I now have 2 boys(19, 2) and one more boy on the way in March 2025.
Who is your role model and Why?
I have had a few role models in my life but currently I do not consider anyone a role model, but rather I have many who help me be me.
If there was one person that you would like to meet, past or present and why?
I have never been one to want to meet someone famous or athletic. But if I had to choose someone, I would say Roberto Clemente. Roberto used his natural talents to make it in life, only to lose his life trying to give back to those in need.
A favorite quote that you live by?
Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth – Muhammad Ali