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What do Inclusivity, New Jersey, and Iron Maiden Have in Common? Andrew Lacey!

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Chapters

00:00:00- Intro
00:01:29 – Introduction and Guest Background
00:02:20 – Lacey Family Inclusive Education Fund
00:03:19 – Andrew’s Connection to the Podcast
00:03:54 – Andrew’s Early Life and Education
00:06:34 – College Years and First Visit to Montclair
00:09:22 – Teaching Career and Transition to Finance
00:13:20 – Career in Finance
00:15:37 – Philanthropy and Community Involvement
00:17:18 – Top Soccer Program
00:19:52 – Importance of Community and Friendship
00:20:37 – Increasing Access to College Program
00:24:43 – Transition Programs for Young Adults with Disabilities
00:26:44 – National and Local Support for Disabilities
00:27:42 – Montclair State University and Teacher Training
00:29:07 – Reflections on Montclair School System
00:30:41 – Favorite Things About New Jersey
00:34:34 – Iron Maiden Soccer Game Story
00:35:31 – Conclusion and Farewell

What do Inclusivity, New Jersey, and Iron Maiden Have in Common?

Meet Andrew Lacey! We had a wonderful chat getting to know Andrew’s background from being born in Australia to living in Brazil, Pennsylvania, Boston, New York, and finally Montclair, NJ. He shares his experience working as a teacher and then transitioning to working in finance while practicing philanthropy.

Andrew discusses the importance of inclusivity in education and sports, highlighting TOP Soccer, a program that fosters relationships between children with disabilities and their peers. Andrew also shares his involvement in the Increasing Access to College Program at Montclair State University, aimed at providing opportunities for young adults with intellectual disabilities. With humor and heartfelt stories, Andrew illustrates the power of community and the impact of giving back, making this episode one you don’t want to miss.

Stay tuned to the end to learn how Iron Maiden factors into things he loves about New Jersey.

 

Wendy Lacey Interview

Want more to learn more about the Laceys. Check out one of first interviews we did with the equally impressive Wendy Lacey!

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Summary

Interview with Andrew Lacey

Introduction

  • Hosts Janette and Rachel introduce Andrew Lacey, husband of a previous guest, Wendy Lacey.
  • Andrew is well-known in the community for his contributions alongside Wendy, particularly in education and inclusivity.

Andrew’s Background

  • Early Life:
  • Born in Australia to an Australian father and Brazilian mother.
  • Family moved to Brazil and then to Swarthmore, Pennsylvania.
  • Attended a small high school that merged with a larger school, which broadened his perspective.
  • Education:
  • Attended Wesleyan University in Connecticut.
  • Played soccer and formed a friendship with a teammate from Montclair.
  • Journey to Montclair:
  • Invited to a party in Montclair during college, leading to a memorable experience that sparked his love for the town.
  • Full circle moment when his daughter later attended a party at the same house he stayed in.

Career Path

  • Teaching:
  • Worked as a teacher for five years, including time in Boston and at the Pingree School.
  • Initially considered law school but found a passion for teaching.
  • Transition to Finance:
  • Shifted to finance after teaching, starting as a research analyst.
  • Emphasized the importance of having an objective scoreboard in investment management.

Philanthropy and Community Involvement

  • Philanthropic Values:
  • Influenced by his parents’ emphasis on community service.
  • Recognizes the importance of teachers and aims to give back to the community.
  • Top Soccer Program:
  • Involved in Top Soccer, a program for kids with disabilities.
  • Focuses on relationship building rather than just soccer skills.
  • High school students lead the program, enhancing engagement and volunteerism.

Lacey Family Inclusive Education Fund

  • Montclair State University Initiative:
  • Collaborated with professors to create the Increasing Access to College Program for young adults with disabilities.
  • Aims to provide structured educational opportunities and mentorship.
  • Currently has a cohort of 10 students, with plans for growth.

Challenges and Opportunities

  • Transitioning to Adulthood:
  • Discusses the challenges faced by young adults with disabilities as they age out of high school.
  • Highlights the importance of community support and job placement programs.
  • Local vs. National Support:
  • Notes that support for individuals with disabilities is often more effective at the local level.
  • Mentions the need for creative solutions in employment and housing.

Personal Insights

  • Community Connections:
  • Emphasizes the value of interactions between people with and without disabilities.
  • Shares positive experiences from Top Soccer and the Montclair State program.

Fun Stories and Closing Thoughts

  • Unique New Jersey Experience:
  • Shares a humorous story about playing soccer with Iron Maiden, highlighting the diverse community in Montclair.
  • Final Remarks:
  • Andrew expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share his story.
  • Hosts thank Andrew for joining the podcast and encourage listeners to engage with the community.

Resumo do Episódio do Podcast: Entrevista com Andrew Lacey

Introdução

  • As apresentadoras Janette e Rachel apresentam Andrew Lacey, marido da convidada anterior, Wendy Lacey.
  • Andrew é bem conhecido na comunidade por suas contribuições ao lado de Wendy, especialmente na educação e inclusão.

História de Andrew

Infância:
  • Nascido na Austrália, filho de pai australiano e mãe brasileira.
  • Sua família se mudou para o Brasil e depois para Swarthmore, Pensilvânia.
  • Frequentou uma pequena escola secundária que mais tarde se fundiu com uma maior, ampliando sua perspectiva.
Educação:
  • Estudou na Wesleyan University, em Connecticut.
  • Jogou futebol e criou uma amizade com um colega de equipe de Montclair.
Jornada até Montclair:
  • Foi convidado para uma festa em Montclair durante a faculdade, o que resultou em uma experiência marcante e despertou seu amor pela cidade.
  • Teve um momento simbólico quando sua filha mais tarde foi a uma festa na mesma casa onde ele havia ficado.

Caminho Profissional

Ensino:
  • Trabalhou como professor por cinco anos, incluindo períodos em Boston e na Pingree School.
  • Inicialmente considerou cursar Direito, mas descobriu sua paixão pelo ensino.
Transição para Finanças:
  • Migrou para o setor financeiro após o ensino, começando como analista de pesquisa.
  • Destacou a importância de ter uma métrica objetiva para avaliar o desempenho na gestão de investimentos.

Filantropia e Envolvimento Comunitário

Valores Filantrópicos:
  • Influenciado pelos pais, que sempre valorizaram o serviço comunitário.
  • Reconhece a importância dos professores e busca retribuir à comunidade.
Programa Top Soccer:
  • Envolvido no Top Soccer, um programa para crianças com deficiência.
  • O foco está na construção de relacionamentos, mais do que nas habilidades de futebol.
  • Estudantes do ensino médio lideram o programa, incentivando o engajamento e o voluntariado.

Fundo de Educação Inclusiva da Família Lacey

Iniciativa na Montclair State University:
  • Colaborou com professores para criar o programa Increasing Access to College, voltado para jovens adultos com deficiência.
  • Objetivo de oferecer oportunidades educacionais estruturadas e mentoria.
  • Atualmente, conta com uma turma de 10 alunos, com planos de expansão.

Desafios e Oportunidades

Transição para a Vida Adulta:
  • Discutiu os desafios enfrentados por jovens adultos com deficiência ao deixarem o ensino médio.
  • Destacou a importância do apoio comunitário e de programas de inserção no mercado de trabalho.
Apoio Local vs. Nacional:
  • Observou que o suporte para pessoas com deficiência costuma ser mais eficiente em nível local.
  • Mencionou a necessidade de soluções criativas para emprego e moradia.

Perspectivas Pessoais

Conexões Comunitárias:
  • Ressaltou o valor das interações entre pessoas com e sem deficiência.
  • Compartilhou experiências positivas do Top Soccer e do programa na Montclair State.

Histórias Divertidas e Considerações Finais

Experiência Única em Nova Jersey:
  • Contou uma história engraçada sobre jogar futebol com a banda Iron Maiden, destacando a diversidade da comunidade em Montclair.
Considerações Finais:
  • Andrew expressou sua gratidão pela oportunidade de compartilhar sua história.
  • As apresentadoras agradeceram sua participação e incentivaram os ouvintes a se engajarem na comunidade.

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