Thank You For Being Such A Vital Part Of Our Team, Michael DeVita! We Look Forward To Sharing More About You So Others Can Get To Know You Better!
Tell us a bit about your backstory and what lead you down your current life path.
- I was raised in a middle-class family where we were taught essential core values, including:
- Treat all people equally, in a way that you would like to be treated.
- Help the less fortunate.
- Be humble and remember that you’re no better than anyone else. We are all flawed creatures.
- An education and hard work were the primary pathways to economic prosperity.
What or who inspired you to pursue your career?
Achieving financial security was always a high priority for me and a vital component of what I considered being “successful.” I thought a career as a business leader would be a good way to achieve financial security.
What is one thing you are proud of achieving in your life and career?
There’s never been a better feeling of pride in my life than the one I get when I’ve helped someone achieve something meaningful. Regardless of who it is (a stranger, family member, friend, etc.), or in what way (listening, teaching, advising, helping financially, etc.) – it is the single context from which I feel the most pride.
What keeps you motivated? What maintains your passion for and commitment to the work you are doing?
I am motivated by the knowledge that I can help, that I can make a genuine difference, and that there is so much to accomplish.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful for who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story?
I am grateful to so many people – beginning with my parents. They taught me by what they said and by what they did. My moral foundation and work ethic come from them. They continuously emphasized the importance of a good education and did whatever they could to ensure I was able to capitalize on any educational opportunities I was able to earn. In addition, they provided me with emotional support that built my self-confidence and determination. Additionally, as a young student, I had a grammar school math teacher who recommended I enroll in an Honors curriculum when a guidance counselor had earlier expressed concern that such a program might be too much for me academically. Her confidence in me gave me the self-confidence to not only reach my potential as a student, but it gave me an example to draw on later in life.
What do you like to do in your free time?
As with other aspects of my life, my family is my priority when it comes to my free time. Whether coaching my child’s sports teams or traveling as a family, we enjoy spending much of our free time together. I also love to learn new things about places, languages, cultures, and technologies. Furthermore, since I firmly believe in the symbiosis between mind and body, I am a dedicated exercise enthusiast. I love participating in, watching, and coaching sports.
Tell about an amazing trip you took. Where did you go and what did you enjoy most?
Visiting mainland China was incredible! I enjoyed visiting many historical sites including the Terra Cotta Warriors and the Great Wall. Gaining exposure to a slice of Chinese culture was as interesting and memorable as any historical site. The more places one travels, the more one realizes humanity has many more things in common than it has differences.
s there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? What is it and why did it resonate with you?
The Singularity is Near, by Ray Kurzweil, has made a significant impact on me. It resonated with me because the implications of
technology on the future of human life are extremely profound and rapidly upon us. We neglect them at our own peril.
The road to success is difficult and requires tremendous dedication. What advice would you give to a young person who aspires to follow in your footsteps and emulate your success?
First, I would urge any young person to periodically ask themselves what they consider “success” to be. While specifically defined goals are great, success at large is likely more nuanced and will likely evolve over time. Consequently, it deserves thorough consideration including self-reflection. Once determined, I would recommend they make a plan to achieve success. The plan doesn’t have to be detailed, or even documented, but it should be plausible. I would then suggest that they try to learn as much as I could about their area(s) of interest (formally and informally). Part of that learning may include failure, but as long as there is learning involved, they shouldn’t let failure limit them. I would remind them that it is better to try and fail than to fail to try. I would also encourage them to find a mentor(s) that can help guide them. Ultimately, they should experiment, persevere, work smart, and not be afraid to adjust based on what they learn.
Please share your favorite Life Lesson quote. How is it relevant to your life?
I believe in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you.” Importantly, the rule is not to treat others as they may treat you (in the event they treat you poorly), but rather to treat others in an aspirational way. This is a motto I truly try to live by. Occasionally I fail, but I cannot let failures stop me from aspiring to the standard.
Why did you choose to be a Board Member of Educate. Radiate. Elevate.?
I firmly believe I can add value to the Board and the organization at large. My skills and experience are aligned with the expectations of Board members, from financial matters, to organizational strategy, to ambassadorship. Moreover, I believe in, am passionate about, and dedicated to the mission – which is more powerful than any individual skill or experience.
What about Educate. Radiate. Elevate.’s Purpose, Mission, and Core Values speak most to you, and why?
I have been committed to improving the economic, social, and cultural outcomes of the underserved for many years. I believe society is a chain, and it is only as good as its weakest link. I firmly believe education is the most powerful tool to deliver better outcomes, and E.R.E.’s efforts are an extremely strong component of that education.
