As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Stephen Ritz at The World of Business Ideas (WOBI) 2023 Forum in New York City, New York.

Stephen Ritz is the Founder of Green Bronx Machine and self-proclaimed CEO — Chief Eternal Optimist — of Bronx County. With 20+ years of experience as an educator and administrator, Stephen believes that students shouldn’t have to leave their community to live, learn, and earn in a better one. Stephen has spent most of his professional life helping move generations of students into spheres of personal and academic successes they have never imagined. While reclaiming and rebuilding the Bronx, Stephen’s extended student and community family have grown more than 165,000 pounds of vegetables while generating extraordinary academic performance and living wage jobs. Believing that we are limited only by our own imaginations and that we are ALL Amer-I-Cans, Stephen is excited to lead Green Bronx Machine to achieve even more at the National Health, Wellness and Learning Center at CS 55.

Stephen, can you share a little bit about your journey and your background?

I’m a lifelong educator from the South Bronx who found my purpose in inspiring healthy living and learning. I’m the founder of Green Bronx Machine, the CEO, Chief Eternal Optimist of Bronx County, and otherwise known as the Human Exclamation Point.

I’m also incredibly proud of the Green Bronx Machine Classroom Curriculum, which democratizes access and information for teachers around the world. To think that we have 10,000 teachers with 100 percent satisfaction, and 275,000 students using our curriculum daily, is proof that we don’t have to monetize everything, but that we can share and grow something greater, where lives are changed and smiles grown.

What drove your commitment to transforming education?

I got tired of surviving various crises and witnessing the dysfunction in communities like ours. I believe there is no justice, just us. So, I decided that the untapped potential in communities like mine could be the key to transforming not only the lives of those who needed it most but also the nation as a whole. From the Bronx to the world, we continue to export talent, diversity, and creativity, transforming communities, schools, and opportunities.

How have key experiences in your career shaped your approach to education and community development?

I’m a lifetime learner, emphasizing the importance of lived experience. Every child deserves access to an inspiring environment and healthy, fresh food, regardless of their background. Community development means not just being at the table but building our own tables and sharing them. It’s about putting unity back into our community, creating opportunities, and changing the narrative for communities like mine.

Can you share a standout initiative that had a significant impact on students and the community?

We’ve gone from disruption to delivery, transforming cultures, educational outcomes, and health with minimal investment. One standout initiative is our project in Appalachia, the first foster care commercial farm in America. It provides redemption for young men by growing food and building homes, challenging the bleak outcomes for those leaving foster care.

Beyond academics, how do you measure success in personal and community development, and what specific metrics do you use?

The smile factor is crucial. We’ve celebrated one million pictures with children worldwide. Success is also measured by 2,200 living wage jobs in the South Bronx, global awareness, and the Let’s Learn with Mr. Ritz TV show produced and starring South Bronx children. It’s about creating producers, not just consumers, and fostering happy, healthy children.

How do you use your force for good to make a positive impact?

I am a force multiplier, believing in the power of positivity. I facilitate collisions, connections, and co-learnings to grow something greater. I see myself as nothing more than a pencil, existing to leave a mark. I go out and find the best artists and the most talented children to create beautiful pictures and positive outcomes.

Stephen, this was wonderful. Thank you.

Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Stephen Ritz of Green Box Machine Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.