Gerdon Enccarnacion

A recent immigrant from the Dominican Republic, Gerdon was still learning English when he came to Jamaica Plain, MA. Surrounded by drugs and violence, most youth would get caught up in street life. Gerdon was the opposite.

Gerdon recruited friends and they created the Beantown Society, a youth-run after-school program aimed at ending youth violence. In four years it has raised close to $300,000, and over 300 youth have participated. Most share how deeply it has impacted them. Gerdon then co-led an anti-violence campaign called “Don’t Wait Till We’re Dead” and helped a youth coalition secure an additional $2.1 million in city funding. Gerdon’s transformation, dedication, and accomplishments are unsurpassed.