Literacy Advocate | Banker | Managing Director | Corporate Risk Solutions | Global Markets | Derivatives Sales | Client Relationships | Corporate Finance
Today I’m excited to announce what I believe will be the most consequential, meaningful, and important initiative of my career. A gut-wrenching fact: only about 1/3 of Philadelphia kids are reading at grade level by the end of 3rd grade – a critical milestone. But there is an answer. Joyful Readers, with 44 trained and caring full-time tutors supported by a team of experienced literacy coaches, is delivering a research-based solution to 1000 kids in 15 Philly schools this year. I’d love to tell you more! Here’s the ask, especially to those with connections to or fond memories of Philadelphia: Check out www.joyfulreaders.org. If you’re the least bit interested, DM me and let’s talk. And while you are on the site, please hit the “donate” button. We’re just getting started, and there is SO MUCH more work to do! I believe with all my heart that the most impactful way we can attack the broad spectrum of social and economic problems that seem so intractable in places like Philadelphia is through education; that educational equity drives societal equity; that educational opportunity opens the door to life success; that success breeds more success. Let’s invest in this together!
Please join us in welcoming our newest member of the Joyful Readers Board of Directors! Barry Silver joins Joyful Readers after a 40-year career in banking and financial markets and believes that education is the smartest investment a society can make. He retired from global leader MUFG Bank’s New York-based Corporate and Investment Bank, where he was a Managing Director in Risk Solutions, serving domestic and multinational clients in the US and Canada. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Barry feels lucky to have been born, raised, and educated in the Philadelphia area. Barry is a very joyful and relentless reader, a music (mainly jazz) obsessive, a boisterous Philly sports fan, and an awkward but enthusiastic skier. One unforgettable book from his childhood is Norton Juster’s “The Phantom Tollbooth” and there were many magic moments reading “The Chronicles of Prydain” series by Lloyd Alexander to his kids when they were little. We’re excited for Barry to lend us his expertise as our newest board member! Welcome!
Damain Sullivan
8mo
well done! congrats Barry! Proud of you!
Jeffrey L Gray
9mo
And an excellent former now retired swim official.
Lou Richman
9mo
Bravo Barry! I can’t think of a more worthwhile way to make an impact on shaping the future prospects of young people who need support or a person better suited to making this important work a success than you. I want to help. Let’s talk!
Andrew Altenburg
9mo
Congratulations, Barry! In honor of you, I am writing a childrens book entitled “The Bucket of Bacon” :)
What a great addition to the Board! Wish you much success and be glad to help
Sharon Marino
9mo
Excited to do this work with you Barry!
John Murabito
9mo
Barry, Joyful Readers has made an excellent choice in selecting you for their board! I wish you much success in this important cause.
Nils S. Dahl
9mo
Barry, Congratulations! Joyful Readers sound like an excellent initiative addressing an important issue in the Philly area. They are lucky to have you on board.
Jim Hutter
9mo
Congrats Barry!!
Barry - this is fantastic. I miss working with you, but glad to see you are giving back and making an impact.