Matthew | Formerly a Boys and Men of Color participant, now a leader and mentor

“I joined Boys and Men of Color to challenge my commitment to something bigger than me.”

Matthew Ellis is a graduate of Goodwill’s first Boys and Men of Color program cohort where he participated in an eight-month learning and mentorship experience focusing on workplace skills and personal development. The experience led him to become more involved in Goodwill through participating in opportunities to support youth, including his role in shaping the Boys and Men of Color program and serving as a mentor for program participants.

“It’s important to me to be part of the Boys and Men of Color program’s future, to continue to be a trailblazer for individuals that come from my community. They can see the path that I have set and that they can do it themselves as well.”

Since graduating from the program in 2021, Matthew has since been promoted to area manager, asset protection in 2023, supporting employees, shoppers and donors with safety and security. As an emerging leader he continues to take advantage of the support and mentorship provided at Goodwill. 

“Goodwill supports me as a leader by giving me the space to speak to my mentors candidly about the real challenges I face outside of work and by acknowledging the work that I have been putting in and acknowledging the work I want to continue to put in.”

Through continued career advancement opportunities, Matthew is able to meet his goal to lift his career to new heights. He joined the African American Leadership Alliance of Milwaukee to have a space to grow his leadership skills in the African American Leadership Program (AALP). Matthew will complete the program in June 2024 and looks forward to continue growing in his career.

“AALP has helped me learn different strategic methods for leadership. The program leaders have challenged my discipline in my decision-making, choices I make as a leader, and networking skills. Most importantly, the program gave me a space where I can breathe and exhale.”

Through Matthew’s experiences and role, he now supports others through mentorship to help them navigate barriers, maintain employment and succeed in their careers.