Rising Stars: Meet Rashad Herndon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rashad Herndon.

Hi Rashad, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
In 2009 I moved back to the Raleigh area with a transfer from Macy’s. I started volunteering at the club, and a few days later, I started working part-time, mainly to help out. A year later, I was a full-time youth development professional. I’m 13 years in with multiple awards and the highest award-winning staff of the year. I grew up as a club kid starting at the age of 4 at the Raleigh Boys club, where my stepdad was. To fast forward to the greatest Club Director and BGC Hall of Fame Alumni, Ron Williams, showing me the blueprint day in and day out of the culture, I began my journey 13 years ago as the Health and Physical Education Director at the Raleigh Boys Club. Growing up in the club, I participated in every program the club offered; outside the club, I was well known because I was a pretty good athlete in multiple sports. As a kid, I grew up all over Raleigh, living on the north side of Raleigh and having family on the south side.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In the beginning, it was a lot of trial and error because I didn’t have any one to walk me thru anything. Not much help, so I was very hands-on myself, and it was a struggle to find volunteers.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am the Health and Physical Education director of the Raleigh Boys Club. I manage sports programs and sports leagues, and behavior. I’m known for my Basketball league and the development of many youth players who have gone on to play middle, high school, and college basketball. I’ve mentored and raised thousands of at-risk young men for 13 years. What sets me apart is that I develop every kid with the same intention of bringing out their best with the same tough love as the next. I am engaged in what they enjoy and what their interests are. In today’s world, young men lack skills due to the lack of positive role models. I’m trying to be that loving & living role model they need to become positive citizens in our community. I was blessed to learn youth development from my stepfather Ron Williams, Raleigh Legend Boys Club director, for over 30 years. My work can jump from program director to counselor to behavioral specialist to coach to janitor to father figure daily. My work never ends because it’s not working. It’s a lifestyle when you want to leave this world better off and become legendary.

Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Being laid back and never quick to react to emotion helped most with my success. You must have patience and be able to deal with adversity daily. I can adapt to any situation in any environment and add value to it.

Pricing:

• 7.50

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.wakebgc.org
• Instagram: Poohlikewinnie

Image Credits
@corbsproductions @neptunemedia @hicksfilms