179 Millennium - Twenty-third Edition SOCIAL WORK, PUBLIC SERVICE, NONPROFIT AND HUMANITIES self-defense training in its participants. Mr. Travers manages a national staff team with StandStrong chapters in Chicago, Boston and Miami, and develops strategy and programming to ensure the organization’s operations remain true to its vision. He has also been directly engaged in his community through efforts to inspire change and opportunities for all. Previously, Mr. Travers served as the interim director of sports and recreation at JCC Chicago for three years, a valuable role that prepared him for the challenges and demands of establishing his own nonprofit. Similarly, he was the head of sports at Maccabi Great Britain, the largest Jewish sports organization in the United Kingdom, for eight years. During this tenure, Mr. Travers promoted inclusivity within the Jewish community and played an instrumental role in shaping youth sports. Prior to this appointment, he engaged in elite development coaching at Arsenal Football Club, where he helped cultivate young talent at one of England’s most renowned soccer institutions. Beyond his primary endeavors, Mr. Travers remains involved in leadership development, emphasizing the importance of personal growth and community engagement. To this end, he served on several young leadership boards in the United Kingdom. He has volunteered with charities supporting individuals with disabilities, and regularly speaks at events on topics including leadership, personal safety and confidence, and responding to trauma. Having won numerous accolades – including special recognition at Maccabi Great Britain – Mr. Travers has since become committed to bridging the gap between nonprofit and for-profit organizations through advocacy efforts. In the coming years, he is dedicated to advancing StandStrong’s mission to empower youth and support their physical and mental well-being, ensuring that future generations have platforms to succeed. With an unwavering commitment to excellence and a mission to empower communities, Matthew Travers has thrived in the nonprofit industry for nearly 20 years. Since 2023, he has served as the executive director of StandStrong, a not-for-profit organization founded in 2020 that instills self-confidence and MATTHEW TRAVERS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR StandStrong Chicago, IL
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