^{“I am an unapologetic leader for my Black community in Worcester. I’m supported by The Uncommonwealth Group, a group of Black men that has meetings about solutions for our community. We’ve done two music festivals, tutoring in schools…having Black men at my side to do it, it’s better than the Marine Corps.”}

Leadership is not a solo sport.

Charles Luster

Charles Luster is Executive Director of 2gether We Eat, a hydroponic farming program in Worcester. In his work, Charles grows people and plants, bringing hydroponic farming and fresh food to young people, schools, seniors, and other community members. Each time we see Charles, a new element of his work has sprouted, his tendrils reaching ever further.

We continue to learn from Charles’ combination of generosity and get-it-done-ness. His energy is as broad as his positivity and spectrum of interests. He reminds us that leadership is not a solo sport.

^{The project: We spent time with Charles in work with the New Commonwealth Fund to co-design a new model of capacity building for non-profit leaders. Read more about the emerging pilot.}