Meet William Salcedo, Executive Director of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey
1. What is one of the most important qualities of a great leader?
I believe the ability to identify and appreciate the differences that others bring to the table, and how to best utilize those strengths and abilities is one of the most important qualities a leader has to make a great team. And behind every great leader is a great team.
2. How does your organization take our community to the next level?
Big Brothers Big Sisters takes social responsibility to the next level by creating a personal relationship with a volunteer and a youth in the community. These mentoring relationships elevate the community in two basic ways. It is a platform to connect people to purpose. Our mentors consistently say they initially volunteered to change a child’s life but in doing so their lives were enriched with a sense of purpose and deeper commitment to their community. The second way is by fulfilling our vision that all youth achieve their full potential. This is done one kid at a time, but collectively that means reaching over 800 kids a year. Their community cares about them, and they in turn care about themselves, their future, and their community.
3. What is your favorite thing to do in your spare time?
You can catch me at Bay Head Beach on the weekends, where I love putting my feet in the sand and reading the newspaper.
4. What is your favorite food/recipe and why?
Hands down, my favorite food is a bowl of Seafood Gumbo. I usually make a pot of gumbo and provide a taste of New Orleans to my staff, neighbors, and friends during the winter months. I also make it on game day because it helps the New Orleans Saints to make the playoffs – not that I’m superstitious or anything.