From Quiet Beginnings to Purposeful Impact
By Carlos Restrepo, MS, CAE
I still remember stepping off the plane at JFK Airport in February 1977, my first long flight and my first time feeling the cold of a New York winter. I was seven years old, wide-eyed, and wrapped in layers, trying to take in the vastness of this new place. My family arrived together, grounded in humble beginnings but fueled by hope. My parents worked hard from day one to provide stability and create opportunities for us, showing me early on that hard work wasn’t just a virtue but a way forward. That lesson guided me through a journey that would take me from quiet early years to a career rooted in purpose and impact.
Finding My Voice, Quietly at First
Like many immigrant kids, I learned to observe first and speak later. I kept a low profile, learning English daily and doing my best to adapt. Gaming became my way of connecting with others and with myself. It was never about winning, but about competing with intention, learning, and finding joy in the challenge. That mindset would later inform how I lead and collaborate in the professional world.
Leadership Begins with Belonging
As I found my footing, I also discovered the power of student leadership. In high school and college, I saw how organizing and advocating could shape ideas and give a voice to people who were often overlooked. At Lehman College, I was honored to serve as Student Body President and as a Student Representative to the CUNY Board of Trustees. For someone who once tried to stay under the radar, those roles taught me that leadership isn’t about being the loudest; it’s about showing up with commitment and care.
An Unexpected Career in Associations
I graduated with a degree in Health Administration just as the healthcare industry was undergoing significant consolidation in the mid-90s. Jobs were scarce, and like many, I had to pivot. I landed my first association job at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE), supporting member information services. What began as a practical next step became a career-defining path.
I went on to work with organizations like NMAC and NACUBO in Washington, D.C., deepening my appreciation for the vital role associations play in supporting communities, advocacy, and professional development. Later, I transitioned to the tech/vendor side, joining Avectra and working with a range of companies focused on empowering the nonprofit sector. This led me to where I am today, proudly contributing to shaping the future of membership management at Aevus.
Technology, Service, and Staying Grounded
Throughout all the twists and turns, one thing has remained constant: the alignment between purpose and profession. I’ve been fortunate to work in spaces where technology is used not for its own sake but as a tool to empower mission-driven organizations. Whether supporting back-end systems or helping associations scale their impact, I’ve always seen this work as a form of service.
What My Parents Taught Me—and What I Learned to Add
My parents taught me to always put my best effort into whatever job I held. And they were right; when you show up consistently and with pride, people notice. But over time, I also learned that in the fast-paced world we live in, effort alone isn’t always enough. If you don’t take time to share your wins and make your value visible, people might be too busy to see it.
So here’s what I’d add to my parents’ wisdom: Put your best foot forward and make sure people are paying attention. Celebrate your wins. Own your contributions. Speak up, not just to be heard but to be seen.
Why I Share This Story
I share this not to put a spotlight on myself but to affirm for others, especially fellow Latinos in the association and nonprofit space, that our stories matter. Our paths, however winding, hold lessons worth sharing. From humble beginnings to purposeful impact, there is power in persistence, in presence, and in not just doing the work, but making sure it shines.
We belong in this sector. We lead here. And our voices help shape what comes next.