Raymond Acevedo

 

Raymond Acevedo

 

Raymond Acevedo was raised in Harlem, where MMPCIA has always been a part of his life. Growing up, he saw firsthand the organization’s impact, with his mother previously serving as its President. Inspired by this legacy, he remains committed to fostering community engagement and preserving Harlem’s vibrant culture.

Raymond earned his B.S. in Decision Science with a minor in Business Administration from Carnegie Mellon University. After graduating, he began his career at Goldman Sachs in the Global Banking & Markets division in Dallas, Texas, where he spent two years and was promoted to senior analyst. His work in market operations, data analysis, and finance helped him build a strong foundation in problem-solving, strategic thinking, and systems management. As he reflected on these skills—along with his academic background—he recognized how they could be applied to education to support students and improve organizational structures.

His interest in education had already taken shape in high school when he led a diversity education program for 7th and 8th graders, partnering with a local public school to help students navigate conversations on race, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and ability. Recognizing an opportunity to merge his analytical expertise with his passion for student development, Raymond took a leap of faith and pivoted into the education sector. He aspires to research and develop systems that equip faculty with the tools to provide meaningful support and opportunities for their students to thrive while ensuring financial accessibility. Additionally, he seeks to leverage student data to design targeted intervention strategies that enhance the educational experience, ensuring students not only succeed academically but also feel valued and supported within their larger educational institutions.

Raymond now serves as a Divisional Systems Administrator at Bank Street School for Children, supporting 5th–8th grade students and acting as a liaison between the school, Bank Street College of Education, and Liberty Leads—a high school completion and college access program under the college’s umbrella. Additionally, he works part-time at Bespoke Education, a tutoring organization where he teaches standardized test prep, including the dSAT, SHSAT, ACT, and more.

As the youngest member of the MMPCIA board at age 26, Raymond believes it is crucial for younger generations to engage in community initiatives, especially as Harlem’s population shifts toward a younger demographic. He hopes to build strong connections with both new and longtime residents, reinforcing that active participation is key to maintaining the neighborhood’s rich sense of community.

In his free time, Raymond enjoys attending weekly trivia nights with friends, working out, running, and catching the latest blockbuster in theaters.